A renowned communication expert in Rivers State, Hon. Lucky Eremee, has harped on the importance of more investment in capacity training for teachers, formulation of digital learning policy, and provision of digital infrastructure in order to build a resilient education system that could help mitigate learning losses occasioned by COVID-19 pandemic or some other disruptions.
Speaking with The Tidein Bori, headquarters of Khana Local Government Area of the state, Eremee noted that the intervention of UNICEF in Nigeria’s education system, through technology, has contributed greatly to reducing learning losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
He advised that government at all levels to ensure that the nation’s learning passport system for school children in both primary and secondary schools is to support the governments at a time when many of them could not access learning due to school closure.
On shielding children from sexual, drug abuse, Eremee urged school owners, parents and educators to ensure that children in their care were protected from negative influences that may make them victims of sexual molestation and drug abuse, adding that “it is pertinent to note that stakeholders in education sector should endeavour to monitor the activities of the younger generation in partnership with parents and security agencies across Nigeria.”
Eremee explained that six out of 10 children in Nigeria experience emotional, physical or sexual and drug abuse before age 18, hence it was imperative to take such matters seriously, calling for proper training of children from infancy.
He stressed that it was the most important stage of human development where he urged parents, teachers and other education stakeholders to be available to take adequate care of their children and wards, and seek professional advice to create a safer and saner world for them.

By: Bethel Toby