The Ogun State Government has advised headteachers in the State to engage pupils more in extra-curricular activities as stated under the Post Examination Entertainment Programme (PEEP), to occupy learners in reasonable activities that will inculcate good behaviour irrespective of where they find themselves.

The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu gave this advice during a stakeholders’ meeting in Abeokuta, saying it is imperative to also put in place a parents’ forum that would deliberate on the progress of their children, identify ways of instilling discipline, among others.

The Commissioner posited that the worrisome situation in schools had necessitated various strategies which the government has come up with, to tackle unruly attitude of students from the foundation.

“The situation in our schools have been worrisome, and as a government, we will never let it continue to be so, hence, it has become necessary to put in place various strategies that will help us tackle it from the foundation as well. Some of the strategies are to organise parents club and the resuscitation of extra-curricular activities, in order to keep our learners away from outer forces”, he said

The Commissioner who shared some tips on how best teachers could discharge their duties, said it is essential to listen, be observant, instill trust and confidence in the learners, proactive in teaching and so on, pointing out that the tips would also help address some of the lingering concerns.

Arigbabu urged them to be creative and apply wisdom in dealing and administering punishment on pupils, adding that teachers should not engage in activities that would dent their integrity.

In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs. Abosede Ogunleye said the meeting would address the lingering acts of indiscipline, as well as promote sanity in the learning environment.

In their goodwill messages, the Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), and the State Secretary, Association of Primary School Headteachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON), Dr. Femi Majekodunmi and Mr. Gbenga Adesina respectively submitted that the dialogue would allow for cross fertilisation of ideas in addressing salient issues in the sector.

They pointed out that the desire of the present administration to promote qualitative, accessible, functional and technology-driven education would not be possible if such unruly behaviors were not curbed.