Fuel Scarcity: Low Turnout Mars Schools Resumption In Lagos State

As directed by the Lagos State Government,
Public Primary and Secondary Schools in Lagos
resumed for the Third term of the 2015/2016
academic session on Monday, but the
resumption was marred by low turnout of
pupils.
The resumption in some schools both public and
private schools visited were deserted, while
others were completely under lock and key.
Schools visited included Onitolo Grammar
School, Surulere; Ransome Kuti Girls High
School, Jibowu; Abina Primary School, Surulere;
Akitan Grammar School, Surulere and Gbaja Girl
High School, Surulere, amongst others.
Some private schools found to be under lock
and key included Multi Grace College, Alimosho
and Role Model School, Ikosi.
Also some public school pupils were turned back
by their school authorities in Mushin, Ijegun and
Alagbado areas, due to the current fuel scarcity.
Some parents said that private school
managements had, through text messages,
informed them of the postponement of the
resumption.
The parents said the managements cited the
current fuel scarcity as the major reason for the
postponement. Many of the schools have,
however, rescheduled their resumption date to
April 18 and conveyed the new date to parents
through text messages.
''Dear parents, due to the ongoing fuel
scarcity, the resumption date is now April 18.
Thanks for your cooperation.
''In compliance with government directive, the
resumption date has been moved to Monday,
April 18.'' A text message sent to one Mrs Alice
Ayorinde, a parent, stated.
Ayorinde said that her children would spend the
additional one week at home, as directed by the
school management.
''I got a text message from the management
of my children’s school that they will not resume
today because of fuel scarcity.
''It is good that schools will not resume today
because the cost of transportation has
skyrocketed by over 100 per cent.
''It will cost me more and be stressful for the
children when we are looking for public transport
to take them to school.'' She said.
NAN recalls that the Lagos State Ministry of
Education had on April 9 confirmed April 11 as
the resumption date for the third term academic
session in public schools in the state.
The State Deputy Gov., Dr Idiat Adebule, who
also doubles as Commissioner for Education, in
a statement had declared that it was necessary
to clarify the resumption date ''based on recent
rumour and insinuations that the resumption
date has been postponed''.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Wing of the Nigeria
Union of Teachers (NUT) said that teachers in
all public schools in the state had resumed for
the term, amidst the fuel crises.
Mr Adesina Adedoyin, the State Deputy Chairman
of the union, said that the teachers were ready
to resume work, ''despite all odds''.
Adedoyin said that the academic calendar for
the session had been provided and that April 11
had been stated as resumption date for the third
term.
He added that any shift in the resumption date
might affect the academic calendar.
''The position of the teachers is that we are
willingly to work.
''As teachers and parents, we are also feeling
the effect of the traffic and the fuel crises and
understand the pains of other parents.
''Whatever pronouncement made by the
government cannot be altered because it would
affect the school calendar.'' He added.