Rivers
Rivers Education’s Operational Standards, Criteria, Excites School Proprietor … As Management Tasks Ministry On Policies For Public Schools
The Proprietor, Pele Idikaku memorial Academy (PIMA), Mbiama, in the Ahoad-West Local Government Area of Rivers State, Mr. Kalu Agwu Nnachi, has commended the Rivers State Government for setting high standard and criteria for ownership and operation of private schools in the state.
Nnachi gave the commendations midweek during the 12th graduation/prize giving ceremonies of the school which held at its campus in Mbiama.
He described the criteria and set standards in the state as stringent, affirming however, that it has ensured improvements in the basic and post primary education sectors in the state.
“I must say that amongst all the states in Nigeria, Rivers State has the most stringent criteria and standards for the operation of private schools.
“To operate a nursery school alone in Rivers State, you must amongst other criteria site the school on at least three plots of land.
“To run a nursery/primary, that school must be sited on at least six plots of land, including meeting several other criteria. And to have a private secondary school in Rivers State, part of the criteria to meet is to ensure that the school is sited on at least eight plots of land, amongst others.
“We know these set standards were to improve the quality of education in the state, but I want to task the Rivets State Ministry of Education to also implement the set criteria/standard for public schools in the state so that it doesn’t become one-sided.
“For PIMA, every year we’ve recorded some improvement. Last year was good, but this year is better. For this year, the 2024 graduation and prize giving ceremonies, a total of 26 pupils are graduating from Nursery three, in Basic one, a total of 22 pupil.
“On the other hand, seven pupils are graduating from basic six, while 18 students are graduating from basic nine, SS1, and 15 students are graduating from SS3”, the Proprietor said.
It would be recalled that in a bid to ensure a more qualitative education in Rivers State, the State Government has shown recommitment through concerted efforts on the inspection and certification of private schools in the state.
Speaking on behalf of parents of graduands, Mr. Johnson Awari lauded management of the school for maintaining standards, charging pupils and students of the institution, as well as management, to continue imbibing the culture of discipline noted in the school.
Meanwhile, in her valedictory speech, the valedictorian/general head girl of the school, miss Favour Jane Essien, called for cooperation between parents and management of the school towards a continued improvement in both academics and morals in the school.
Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa