DVC tasks teachers on regular training

Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic and Research, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe has advised teachers not to blame government for the lapses in the sector, but rather work on themselves to optimally deliver to their learners.

Ogundipe spoke through his representative, Dr. Olusola Adekanmbi, at the 2017 Rising Star Writing Competition Award, organised by The Writers Corner, a group involved in training pupils in the act of writing, in conjunction with Vuvuzela Communications Limited.

He stated that all hands must be on deck to see that students get quality education that is required to move the nation forward. He said: “There is room to do more in terms of educational development in the country. All of us must be involved; we should not put all the blames on the government. We need to do our best to see that these children attain great heights.

“Children should also know that there is nothing like ‘small work, plenty pay’. You need to work hard and see that you make an impact in life. Read well because it is education that takes one to greater heights no matter who you are.”

The Lead Professional Developer of the group, Uche Odoji, lamented that the use of the social media by children is fast turning them into bad writers.

Udoji disclosed that the children were asked to write an essay on the theme, ‘The beauty of nature,’ and over 540 entries were received from Lagos, Abuja, Anambra, Delta and Ogun states.

“We are concerned that the writing culture is dying in Nigeria as a result of the social media. We have noticed how the online language is making its way into the class. We are struggling with them using the words they use online in the classroom. Right now, some of them now use contracted words in their writings.

“These children probably think they are right because they see adults use those words online. It is actually a big trouble for us, but we hope that through competitions like this, they can become better writers and readers.”

The first place award in the secondary category went to Kolom Oden-Ikpi, a 15- year old student of Yaba College of Technology Secondary School, Lagos, while nine -year old pupil of Corona School, Ikoyi, Lagos emerged winner in the junior category.