By Omowumi Samuel.
The Senior Staff Union of Colleges of Education, Nigeria, has said that demonstration schools should not in any way be regarded as private entities.
The National President of the union, Mr. Danladi Msheliza, made the comment in a meeting with the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu in Abuja, on Friday.
According to Msheliza, universities and polytechnics have no documents visibly showing that demonstration schools are requirements, but it is a national policy document on graduation of students of Primary Education Studies and Early Childhood Care Education.
He also added that since the document clearly states that demonstration schools is private, then there is no need running those two courses in the institution, because they fall short of accreditation requirements.
Speaking further, Msheliza stressed the need to give clarification on the status of demonstration schools in Colleges of Education, and also the need for them to be mainstreamed.
He commended the Minister for his assistance and foresight in the actualization of contingent 15 for accountants and administrators in the sector, and also for the approval of consolidation of salaries and wages of some registrars.
He implored that the consolidated figure is yet to be implemented, and that salaries is still dragging feet.
Msheliza again emphasized the challenges facing Colleges of Education in Nigeria, which according to him, have been pressing, especially the attitude of government.
In his words, ” It is no longer news that each time a ministry, NCCE or government begins to look at issues that affect educational institutions, more prominence is given to Universities and Polytechnics.
He also urged the Minister to reconstitute the governing council of the union, adding that since the inception of the union, it has been friendly.
He noted that there is no tangible cause to go on strike, because of the level of training and leadership already in place.
In response to the issues presented by the union, the Minister reiterated commitment to set up committees to revisit the letter presented, and make notable adjustments where necessary.
Adamu added that laws would be enacted to guide the operation of the union, and that the revitalization funds from the NEED assessment exercise already allocated will materialize.
