By FELIX EVWIHOR

Delta State Government has warned against unauthorized collections, molestation of teachers by parents and use of school premises without approval as it described these as vices to the MORE Agenda of the present administration.

The Commissioner for Primary Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu stated this today during a meeting between the Ministry of Primary Education, Chief Inspectors of Education (CIEs), Local Education Secretaries (ES) and Headteachers in Ukwuani, Isoko-North, Ndokwa-East and Ndokwa-West local government areas of the State which was held at Utagba-Ogbe Grammar School, Kwale.

According to the Commissioner, the actualization of the MORE Agenda is a collective effort from the State and all stakeholders, adding that headteachers are key drivers of the actualization of better educational system in the state, adding that all teachers should support the policies of the State government and the administration of Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori.

Ashibogwu warned that collection of unauthorized fees, molestation of teachers by parents and usage of school premises without paying the appropriate fees into the State government account would hinder the promises of the State governor to do more for Deltans.

As a way of ensuring that unregistered/unauthorized schools across the State go into extinction or do the needful, Dr Ashibogwu warned against enrollment of external pupils to sit for the forthcoming Primary School cognitive examination.

Also, as precautionary measures to avoid incidents of collapsed buildings, the commissioner charged head teachers to report dilapidated structures to appropriate authorities for possible rehabilitation or demolition.

Ashibogwu also advised head teachers to work in synergy with the community heads and local vigilante groups to ensure that government properties under their care were safe.

He added that head teachers should monitor staff under them to ensure they work hard and treat the pupils as their own biological children.

On shortage of teachers, the Commissioner assured that once the need arises and there was availability of funds, more persons would be engaged and teaching aids would be made available.

Speaking on immunization of pupils, Dr Ashibogwu encouraged head teachers to give maximum support to health officials, especially when they have approval from the appropriate authority, as a way of collaboration among agencies of government.

Earlier, the head teachers appreciated the state government for the approval and subsequent payment of the new minimum wage, pledging to do their best to replicate the kind gesture of the governor.

Notwithstanding, they pleaded with the state government to come to their aid in terms of infrastructure, engagement of more teachers, provision of security guards and teaching aids.

Other areas of request included clamping down on unregistered schools, increments of funding for the day-to-day running of schools and a review of their stagnancy in level 14, unlike their counterparts in secondary schools.

The meeting had in attendance the director of schools, director of examinations and Standards and other staff of the ministry, four CIE'S, three ES and over 150 headteachers.

In her vote of thanks, the CIE of Ndokwa-West LGA, Mrs. Ruth Oboh appreciated the State government, the Commissioner and his entourage. (Delta State News Bulletin)