By Endurance Ikanone
The persistent problem of lateness among pupils in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State has sparked concern among stakeholders.
Speaking to newsmen at his residence, Hon Richard Ogirisen, former Ward 1 Councillor and current PDP Ward 1 Chairman in Sapele LGA, has expressed his displeasure over the staggering lateness amongst pupils in the area.
Ogirisen emphasized the need for a collective effort to address the issue, stating that the state and local government should establish a committee to monitor students who roam the streets during school hours. He also advocated for partnerships between the state government and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to improve the education sector, in line with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori's M.O.R.E Agenda for the state.
"The state and local government need to set up a committee to monitor students who move around the streets during school hours and take action to avoid such movement," Ogirisen said. "The state government should also partner with NGOs that are highly interested in education to improve the education sector."
Ogirisen further stressed the importance of school administrators, teachers, and parents in combating lateness. "School principals, headteachers, and teachers need to put in all necessary effort to stop this lateness. Parents are not left out as well; I see no reason why parents will not ensure their wards get to school on time," he said.
Hon.Ogirisen also expressed his disappointment over the persistent lateness of some teachers in Sapele, stressing that such attitude has a negative impact on students.
According to Ogirisen, students often take their teachers as role models and mimic their behaviour, including their attitude towards punctuality.
Ogirisen appealed to teachers who consistently report late to school to desist from such behavior, emphasizing that their actions can either make or mar the future of their students. "As teachers, you are not only educators but also role models. Your attitude towards punctuality can either inspire or discourage your students," he said.
Ogirisen, commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his commitment to education in Delta State. He praised the governor for employing over 3,000 primary school teaching and non-teaching staff, a move he described as a demonstration of Oborevwori's love for education and his desire to provide the best for Deltans in the educational sector.
The former councillor expressed his personal concern over the issue, stating that the lateness is getting him worried. He appealed to Governor Oborevwori to establish committees in the 25 local government areas of the state to monitor and address lateness.
"I do not know about other local governments, but here in Sapele, the lateness is getting me worried personally," Ogirisen said. "If possible, I am using this medium to appeal to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to set up committees in the 25 local government areas of the state on lateness monitoring. I believe that if all hands are on deck, we will achieve excellence as the number one state in education"
Research has shown that lateness can have far-reaching consequences on students' academic performance and overall well-being. It is essential for stakeholders to work together to address this issue and ensure that students arrive at school on time, ready to learn.