Commission moves to enhance welfare of teachers in private schools

The Public Complaints Commission (PCC), South East zone says it is committed to partnering with stakeholders to improve the welfare of teachers in private schools to enhance teaching and learning.

Barrister Nick Omeye, Federal Commissioner PCC, said this in Enugu on the occasion of a town hall meeting on systemic investigation into the conditions of service of private school teachers in South East geo-political zone.

He said that the town hall meeting was sequel to a systemic investigation carried out by PCC into the conditions of service of private schools in Enugu State.

Omeye said that the investigation was on the directive of the National Assembly which has shown interest in the affairs of the private schools in the country.

“As you all know, education plays a pivotal role in the development of any nation.

“All aspects of the economical, political, social, cultural, or moral development of a nation depends on the education system.

“It is, therefore, not surprising that the National Assembly and the Public Complaints Commission are interested in the welfare of public school teachers in the country, ” he said.

Omeye said the main purpose of the meeting was to analyze the outcome of the report and come up with suggestions that should form the basis of a national framework/policy for private schools.

“A system that will enhance learning through improved working conditions of private school teachers and the private school system generally, ” he said.

The Commissioner said the investigation was an opportunity for Government to know “what obtains in private schools, particularly as it relates to the teachers.”

“And to take immediate steps to formulate and implement policies that will enhance the welfare of the teachers and by so doing improve the standard of learning in private schools, ” he said.

He said the meeting would provide the opportunity for stakeholders to articulate ideas and formulate opinions that will be forwarded to the Government for policies that could enhance the optimal performance of private schools.

Enugu State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Uchenna Eze, represented by, Dr Mich Eze Director of Quality Control, said the state was in tandem with efforts to improve the welfare of teachers in private schools.

“However, we are insisting that proprietors of private schools should employ qualified teachers.

“Most of them don’t have qualified teachers and this is given us concern, ” he said.