By Felix Khanoba
Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, and the Minister of State for Education, Dr Tanko Sununu, have charged Principals of Federal Unity Colleges (Unity Schools) across the country to protect their schools and students from any form of attacks or banditry.
Speaking on Monday in Abuja at a meeting with Principals of the 112 unity schools in continuation of briefings from departments and Chief Executives under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Education, Prof. Tahir described the Unity Colleges as national ‘treasures which must be protected at all cost.
A statement signed by Mr Ben Bem Goong – Director Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, said
Prof. Mamman charged the Principals to be vigilant over security issues, adding that early security warnings must not be taken for granted.
Speaking in the same vain, Minister of State for Education, Dr. Sununu while commending the Principals for their patriotism and commitment to the Service of the Nation charged the Principals to be watchful and take extra measures to protect their respective schools.
He directed the Principals to liaise with Traditional Rulers, Religious Leaders, Parents and all Security Agencies to create the necessary synergy that will guarantee the security of all Federal Unity Schools.
Responding to the charge, Chairperson of the Association of Principals of Nigerian Unity Colleges and the Principal of the Federal Science and Technical College, Ilesa, Dr. Mrs Idowu Akinbamijo assured the Ministers that her colleagues will do everything humanly possible to ensure that the children under their care are fully protected, adding that as parents, the security of their children is of utmost priority.
Dr. Idowu used the occasion to appeal to the Ministers to prioritize the construction of housing accommodation in rural Unity Colleges as an incentive to attract and retain teachers in rural schools.
She also requested that provision should be made for posting entitlements of teachers before their postings are affected in order to reduce the pains associated with relocation of teachers and their families.
