Lawmakers in Anambra State House of Assembly has urged the state government to establish more public primary and secondary schools in strategic locations of the state to pave way for its citizens to have access to quality and affordable education for their children.
Nigerian Tribune learnt that the resolution followed a motion sponsored by Hon Charles Obimma, Member representing Oyi Constituency, and seconded by Hon. Onyebuchi Offor, representing Ekwusigo state constituency, during last week plenary.
Hon Obimma complained at the low number of government-owned schools in the state, owing to the fast expansion of several residential estates and increasing population.
According to him, a good number of residents in the state have no government-owned schools but now at the mercy of private school proprietors, whose services are exorbitant for the common man to able to afford.
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“We need to be mindful of the provision of Section 18 (1) of 1999 Constitution, which states that government shall direct its policy toward ensuring that there are equal and adequate educational opportunities at all levels.
“I am convinced that setting up additional government-owned schools will facilitate easy access to quality and affordable education, thereby waging a massive war against illiteracy in the state,’’ Obimma said.
Supporting the motion, Hon. Noble Igwe representing Ogbaru l State Consistency, said that many students travel far to access education on a daily basis.
He added that most of the existing schools are not easy to access by some students thereby causing high transportation burdens on parents, leading to overcrowded classrooms.
“Establishing additional public schools will enable the students to have easy access to schools as well as decongest already overcrowded ones for efficient and qualitative education,’’ he said.
Hon. Ejike Okechukwu, representing Anaocha State Constituency, on his part, said that many private schools did not have recreational facilities, necessary for all-round learning and development of students.
According to him, public schools are far better to attend for a complete education.
Deputy Speaker, Mr Paschal Agbodike, who presided over the plenary said that education was a right, not a privilege of every child.
“The rate at which parents and caretakers send their children/wards to private schools is alarming and should be looked into,’’ he noted.
“While calling on the State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano to direct Commissioner for Basic Education to take necessary steps toward setting up additional public schools in certain strategic areas within the state, concluded that it would help to ensure equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning.
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