The Federal Government has lamented rising cases of examination malpractice, drug abuse, cultism and other vices in the nation’s secondary schools.
It subsequently directed principals to resuscitate relevant school clubs and societies to keep the minds of students occupied with useful thoughts.
Speaking at a sensitisation programme for parents, teachers, students and other stakeholders on how to kick out vices in secondary schools, Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu, lamented that the menace is a threat to the foundation upon which the nation’s institutions stand.
Sununu said there was a need to create an environment that empowers students to make positive choices, and resist those that may derail their potential.
“Social vices cut across ethnic nationalities, races and even religious divides. They are bad traits, unhealthy and negative characters exhibited by individuals, which attack the very essence of society.
The minister lamented that these vices, which had eaten deep into the fabric of the nation, prompted secondary school students to cheat in examinations since they were not prepared. He reminded all that secondary schools are not just places of learning but nurturing grounds where young minds are shaped, and values instilled.
The minister said it is the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to guide the students on the right path and create an environment that fosters growth.
According to him, a school is not only a place for academic pursuits, but also a sanctuary where values are cultivated. Sununu emphasised the imperative of educating students on the consequences of engaging in destructive behaviours, saying this would improve academic performance and sound moral values through constant counselling and supervision.
In her remarks, the director of the senior secondary education department, Hajia Binta Abdulkadir, urged students to embrace their role as agents of change by shunning vices, while striving for excellence.
She lamented that secondary schools, regarded as centres of knowledge and character formation, are now grappling with vices threatening the peace of society.
“From substance abuse to examination malpractice; bullying and cultism, these vices have eaten deep into the souls of these youngsters, who are the nation’s future leaders. She subsequently tasked parents and educators to unite in their resolve to fight the menace and reclaim the sanctity of schools.
