By Ikemefuna Taire Okudolo
Lagos – An educational consultant, Dr Ehi James, has advised the Lagos State Government to strengthen its Inspectorate Division in monitoring the use of certified professionals to teach in private schools.
James told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos that the use of secondary school leavers to man classrooms “is on the rise in Lagos State’’.
He said that many graduates of educational related courses were unfortunately not taking interest in teaching profession.
“Hence, private schools are forced to make do with available hands,’’ James said.
He warned that the quality of graduates from private schools would continue to be questionable, if their teachers were not professionals.
According to him, only those with the National Certificate of Education or degree from education faculties of universities constitute professionals that can teach.
The consultant, who holds a doctorate degree in adult education, said that many state governments were defaulting in their inspectorate duties on private schools.
“I am a consultant to eight private schools in Lagos State and I cannot remember when last inspectors from the Ministry of Education came around to check on these schools.
“If we must ensure that Lagos pupils and students come top in national examinations, then the government has to take the inspection of private education institutions serious,’’ he said.
The consultant noted that almost half of the population in primary and secondary schools in Lagos were in private institutions of learning.
He urged ministries of education across the country to take the issue of teachers, their certification, professionalism and qualification more serious as a quality assurance measure.
