ANCOPSS ends professional training in Owerri

The Mandatory Continuing Progression (MCPT) for All Nigeria Confederation of principal of secondary schools in the South-East ended in Owerri, recently.
The event featured quiz, essay competition among students from various schools in the zone as well as paper presentation, dances, among others.

In his welcome address, the Imo State president of ANCOPSS, Nze Amaku Godwin maintained that the body has done well through efficiency in managing the schools as evidenced by the student's performances in both internal and external examinations.

Nze Amaku landed the Imo State Governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha for his achievements in education since his tenure which he said would occupy volumes if documented.

The ANCOPS helmsman, however, listed the challenges facing the principals and requested for assistance from the government to solve them. They include the provision of perimeter fencing of the schools, conversion of youths-must-work teachers to full staff in the school system, payment of the arrears of the running cost of the schools, provision of science and I.C.T. facilities and the appointment of serving and retired principals into the boards and parastctals including the promotion of principals to SGL 17 (Tutor gensal) and others.

He expressed gratitude to the governor for focalizing the hosting of the training programme and to the treasurer of Imo ANCOPSS, Mr G.C. Nwogu, and the chairman of the planning committee for their prudent management of the finances for the programme

Speaking on behalf of the governor, the secretary to Imo State Government, Sir Eche, he declared; if one does not respect the teacher, it means he does not fear God adding that training programme was necessary because knowledge would go moribund any time it is not warmed up.

He donated N50,000 to the witness of the quiz competition among the South-East zone students.

In her lecture on the theme “Free education in Nigeria; secondary school issues and challenges”, the guest lecture, Prof Hauwa Imam, noted that education in the country has many challenges and cannot be totally free.

Among the difficulties, according to her, are the inadequate member of teachers, indiscipline in schools, lack of infrastructure and equipment and poor funding by various governments.

She therefore urged teachers to improvise what they do have for effective and efficient teaching and learning.

Prof James Chinedu Ihemeje of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umuahia, lectured on, “secondary school Administration in the 21st century, challenges of the secondary principals”.

Highlight of the event was the presentation of cash prizes/ certificates to the winners in quiz and essay competitions.

In the essay competition for the senior category, Miss Lemchi Prisca of Imo State came tops as Miss Chinecherem Marry of Anambra State certes home the prize for the junior category.