Construction of Japanese Schools To Be Launched In North West This Year

- 361 Clandestine Institutions Closed Down

By Shey Wirba

The 2-day Basic Education sectoral conference has wrapped up in the North West Region. During the conference which held at the Bamenda conference hall between Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30, 2012, the North West Regional delegate of Basic Education, Fon Susan Nyanga, announced that some 18 Japanese primary schools given to the North West Region will be constructed this academic year, 2012/2013.

The delegate explained that out of the over 800 clandestine primary and nursery schools identified in the country, a total of 361 are in the North West. She warned that none of those schools would open this year until they regularize their situations.

Taking stock of the 2011/2012 academic year just ended, the delegate gave kudos for the teachers who together with the PTA and other stakeholders made North West proud in the end of year course with the exemplary results. According to Fon Susan, North West scored 84% pass in First School Leaving Certificate and 77% in Government Common Entrance in the 2011/2012 academic year.

In 2012/2012, the delegate noted that there were 2892 primary and nursery schools in the region, over 10592 teachers, 425299 pupils and 900 structures. “Our success story wouldn’t have been achieved without the collaboration of some NGOs, PTA, teachers and school management board”. She thanked the mayors who identified basic education as their councils’ top priority.

However, Susan Fon lashed out at some teachers who took absenteeism as their personality trait and others who were corrupt.

On the government’s assistance, the delegate hailed her for free education in primary schools which has enabled the poor send children to schools, including the minimum package sent to schools and most especially the payment of the teachers’ research and documentation allowances.

Observing that the manner the teachers prepare their pupils determines their performance in the end of year courses, the representative of the North West Governor, opined that the hard work was reflected in this year’s primary schools end of course examinations in the North West. He entreated them to wage a war against corruption, absenteeism, and particularly called on the North West Basic Education authorities to ensure that no clandestine primary or nursery schools is opened in the region until they regularize their situation.