Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to continue to invest in the provision of quality education as it is the only guarantee for a brighter future for children.
Fashola who spoke in Lagos today at the fourth anniversary of the re-launch of Uniformed Voluntary Clubs in Lagos State Public Schools noted that government is convinced beyond any doubts whatsoever that education remains the only tool against poverty and ignorance.
The Governor who spoke through his deputy, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire explained that the uniformed voluntary clubs in public schools in the state has helped not only to instil discipline and attitudinal changes among school children since its resuscitation in 2009 but has also helped in the development of children mentally and academically.
Said he, ‘’in 2009, the State government resuscitated the Uniformed Clubs in our public schools in order to create a total education environment for our children. Already, participation in uniformed clubs has increased their mental alertness as shown in the recent WAEC results, National Examination Council (NECO) as well as the different competitions such as the BRF Quiz among others.”
He pointed out that the need for every child to develop mentally, physically and psychologically makes their membership of uniformed clubs imperative as it will help in their academic performances and make them a total student.
Governor Fashola noted that informed clubs have also helped students in public schools to explore and exploit the inherent virtues of discipline, obedience, leadership training, sense of organization and planning which are all necessary materials to build an enduring and progressive society.
He added that since the re-launched of the Girls’ Guide, Brigade, Scout Association, Red Cross and the Sheriff Guide in public schools in Lagos State, no fewer than 150,000 uniforms have been distributed to primary and secondary schools’ students who are members of these clubs.
Governor noted that every Wednesday of the week has been set aside for the students and pupils to put on their Club Uniforms to schools and also participate in the meetings and other co-curricular activities of their chosen clubs after schools hours.
“To sustain these clubs, 300 teachers had been trained. Again, teachers’ association has been formed in each club and each of the 20 education zones has a teacher representing the ‘FACE’ of each club and our teachers had been appointed to be in charge of each of these clubs in our schools,” the Governor noted.
Fashola implored parents, guardians, teachers, counsellors and caregivers to always inspire, mentor and educate their children and wards on the need for them to be reliable, studious and hard working children in life in order to ensure a brighter tomorrow for them.
Said he, “parents should continue to support their children by encouraging them and monitoring their activities on such days while children should remain good children as well as study very hard. I wish to thank teachers and group leaders for believing in this project and ensuring that the rules and regulations are observed.”
He advocated against all forms of child abuse and labour in the state hence he advised the students to report any form of abuse to the nearest government agency stressing that an abused child will not be able to develop and realize his or her full potentials.
Earlier in her address, the State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye noted that the resuscitation of Uniformed Clubs in public schools in the state represents the commitment of the state government to the attainment of total education in the state.
Said she, “education as we know is not just all about academics. It is also about ensuring the mental and physical growth of our children through physical exercises, classroom works and other co-curricular activities hence these Clubs will help to imbibe into students self confidence, courage and other necessary life’s skills that will prepare them for any challenges in life.”
The Commissioner who spoke through one of the students, Miss Kolapo Oluwaseyi noted that uniformed club has a life-long tradition of helping to develop healthy bodies, minds as well as instilling in the members, love for education, team work, high self esteem, respect and inquisitive mind.
She therefore urged them to take advantage of the numerous benefits associated with belonging to any of the uniformed voluntary clubs in public schools by becoming a member of any one of your choice.
Highlight of the ceremony was march past by various clubs as well as the presentation of trophies to schools in the primary, Junior and Senior secondary categories that have been adjudged best thus St Mary Girls, Lagos Island, Akoka Junior High School, Akoka and Muslim Senior College, Oworo were declared winners in the primary, Junior and Senior Secondary Schools categories.