SBMC Task Team Vows to Restore Sanity, Discipline in Anambra Schools

By Praise Chinecherem

The Anambra State Task Team of the School Based Management Committee (SBMC) has expressed its readiness to restore sanity and discipline among teachers and students in both primary and secondary schools in the state

Chairman of the Task Team, Prof. Stephen Ufoaroh gave the assurance during the inauguration of the Task Force at the ASUBEB headquarters, Awka.

He said improvement of standard of teaching and learning in both primary and secondary schools remained a collective responsibility.

He listed some of challenges to be addressed by his team to include examination malpractice, use of mobile phones by students, loitering and child labour during school hours and indiscipline among teachers and students.

“We’re also going to ensure proper resource management by school administrators, improvement of teacher’s welfare, and mobilizing communities to support public and mission schools.

“This is not the time to pass blames, but rather time for collective effort towards improving the standard of teaching and learning in our primary and secondary schools.

“We must rise up to the challenges of effective and efficient management of available resources to achieve the desired changes in our educational system as well as gain the trust of donor agencies to invest more in our educational system,” he added.

Ufoaroh solicited for financial support in addressing some of its need such as furnishing the SBMC office; procurement of an operational vehicle; funding for training and orientation program for SBMC members at LGAs and schools.

“We also need assistance towards establishment of digital/social media platforms for information dissemination and mobilisation of SBMC members from schools to LGAs to support the second term agenda of Governor Soludo,” he added.

Commissioner for Lands, Prof. Offornze Amucheazi (SAN) commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration and the ASUBEB for their efforts in raising education standard in the state.

Amucheazi who chaired the occasion revealed that part of the SBMC’s responsibility was to ensure proper functioning of schools through funding, teacher’s training, stakeholders sensitization and accessibility to free and compulsory education.

National Chairman of SBMC, Alhaji Abdullahi Umar praised the state for being at the forefront of education growth in the zone.

Umar, represented by National PRO of SBMC, Dr. Unachukwu Erisim described SBMC assignment as voluntary service to humanity, calling for support through synergy between schools and government.

Executive Chairman of ASUBEB, Dr. Vera Nwadinobi said although the SBMC task is non-profit-driven, but avenue to contribute to child welfare and school management.

She urged the team to protect children’s rights and discharge their duties efficiently.

Chairman, Post Primary State Service Commission (PPSSC), Prof. Nkechi Ikediugwu lamented high rate of indiscipline among students fueled by social media, just as she charged the team to restore order in schools.

She praised government for equipping smart school teachers with laptops and tablets as well as introducing free education and scholarship schemes.

Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake described the programme as laudable, which she said would protect schools and empower students to compete favourably.

She explained how the 22 smart schools located across all local government areas function as innovative hubs connecting communities to school management.

Earlier, Director of Social Mobilisation, Mrs. Amaka Ikedimma traced the origin of the SBMC to 2006 when it was instituted by National Education Council to ensure inclusiveness and community participation in children’s education.

She outlined responsibilities such as advocacy with government, canvassing for capacity development, public awareness creation, and fundraising for school development.

Speaking on the theme “Efficient Resource Management: Bedrock for Improved Education System”, Guest speaker, Dr. Nkechi Ofojebe called for honesty, discipline, effective supervision, emotional intelligence, and maintenance culture in resource management.

She recommended increased budget allocation to education, proper utilization of resources, enforcement of discipline against cultism and hooliganism, and the role of families in instilling strong moral foundations in children.

Royal Father of the Day, Igwe Dr. Emeka Ilounu of Ifitedunu, lamented rising cases of cultism, blaming parents for neglecting their wards.

He praised government for reactivating SBMC and urged members to take the assignment seriously by initiating laudable projects.

The newly inaugurated task team comprises six members representing the state are Engr. Prof. Stephen Ufoaroh (State Chairman/Chairman South East SBMC) and Dr. Sir Vitalis Nwakoby (Vice Chairman, representing secondary schools).

Others are Lady Felicia Ezeukwu (Secretary), Mrs. Amaka Ikedimma (Director, Social Mobilisation/Treasurer), Mrs. Uzoma Chidimma (Financial Secretary, representing secondary schools) and Sir Chike Ononye (Public Relations Officer).