Catholic Church urges formulation of fresh educational policy

In an effort to churn out quality professionals in the country, the Catholic Church has called on the Federal Government to formulate fresh educational policy that can stimulate knowledge in the Nigerian child and prepare him adequately to step into the society and function well.

Such policy, according to the church, should clearly articulate social, political religious and cultural ideologies that would be result-oriented.

In the maiden Archdiocesan Education Summit of the Catholic Church, which held in Calabar, it was also resolved that vocational schools that are agro-based be established in the archdiocese so as to boost agriculture.

The Communique signed by the Archbishop of Calabar, Most Rev. Joseph Ekuwem, said there was need for the Catholic Education Board, the highest policy making body in education matters in the Calabar Archdiocese, to take active interest in educational matters in the state and country.

He said programmes should take cognizance of the environmental endowments and natural resources such that children from each community would appreciate and participate in.

The cleric also stressed the need for the board to form a lobby group to interact with lawmakers to push their positions on education matters.

He called on parents to provide quality homes for their children towards facilitating functional learning, preparing children for formal education and also show concern for their children’s progress in school.

The Archbishop said,  “Supervision has to be frequent in Catholic schools for effective teaching and learning performances. School management should evaluate the inspection processes with their staff. Schools should establish internal supervision units to prepare for staff external inspection.”

“The Catholic Schools Board Archdiocese of Calabar should adequately train the teachers in order to broaden their knowledge on curriculum development and content. Teachers should endeavor to assess and prepare themselves effectively before presenting their lessons in the class. The Catholic Schools Board should ensure that playgrounds with aesthetics are provided in all the Catholic Schools.

“Schools should provide quality teachers and properly remunerate them. Schools should also cultivate serene environment for better teaching and learning. Parents should provide quality home environment to facilitate the learning process of their children. They should be committed in the discipline of their children for their overall welfare just as it is important for them to inculcate good values in their children.

“Importantly also, parents should create a home environment suitable for learning through designing an area to do home work and show genuine interest in their wards’ educational engagements.”