Lagos- The Lagos Island Chapter of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) on Thursday urged establishment of more vocational, technical and creative art centres to divert youths’ attention from crime.
Mr Oseni Yusuf, the Chairman of Lagos Island NAPPS, made the appeal at a fund raiser for a N25 million vocational, technical and handcraft centre at the Glover Memorial Hall on Lagos Island.
He said that such centres would positively engage youths including school dropouts.
“There is only one vocational centre for public schools on the island; if one for private schools is added, it will help those not interested in studies to learn trades.
He noted that many youths who dropped out of school and did not learn a trade resorted to thuggery due to idleness.
“There is a common proverb that says an idle mind is the devil’s workshop.
“It is based on this that I nursed the idea of establishing a vocational and handcraft centre so that those who cannot further their education or dropped out of secondary school could learn a trade,” he said.
Oseni, also Proprietor of De-Master Private School, said that the project be implemented by March, 2015.
He said that members of the association had contributed immensely to make the project a reality, adding that the association had procured a land for the centre.
Mr Wasiu Adumade, Chairman of the Organising Committee for the ceremony, said that the centre was basically for private school students.
Adumade, also the Proprietor of the Was-Lat Private School, said that the association realised that classroom learning was not enough for students.
“It is in line with the curriculum to enhance technical education of students.
“It is also to enhance the development of the country through technical education,” he said.
He said that the state chapter of NAPPS and the national body were in support of the project.
According to him, more than two hundred private schools are on Lagos Island and would be rotating the use of the centre. (NAN)