The seeming gross indiscipline among some secondary school students in Lagos is due to the poor monitoring of schools by government agencies saddled with that responsibility. There is an urgent need to start inculcating discipline in schools so that those who are victims of poor and permissive parenting will not influence others negatively.
Inspectors sent to school for monitoring should start doing their work diligently and not allow financial compensation and sentiments hinder standard. However, they should also carry out their work with the fear of God so that they won’t exploit and extort school owners in the guise of carrying out their duties. There must be solid checks and balances; not only in private schools but also in public schools because students come from different homes and are influenced equally by the rot and decadence in the society.
The government, parents and school are all responsible for the discipline in schools. Regular inspection of schools is important to keep students and their teachers on their toes.
I also want to plead with governments at all levels to ban the use of android phones in public and private schools. Parents are expected to find time for their children and monitor them appropriately especially their exposure to social media.
Barrister Jimoh Mumin,
Ibadan