Security experts in Abia State have advised school proprietors in the state to be conscious of the safety and security of the learning environment for the children.
They made the call on Wednesday during this year’s National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools’, NAPPS, Day celebration organised by Umuahia South local government chapter of the association.
The event, which took place at Apunmiri, the council’s headquarters, had as its theme, “the challenging role of private schools in providing safe learning environment”.
It was attended by several resource persons, who spoke on security, school management and Information Communication Technology, amongst others.
In a lecture, the Ubakala Divisional Police Officer, DSP Kingsley Nwoke, spoke on the topic, “Why we need security”.
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He advised school owners to be security alert at all times.
Nwoke, who was represented by DSP Pius Dazhe, urged schools to train their personnel on safety and security regulations and processes.
According to him, security is everybody’s business and must not be left in the hands of the government alone.
He said that it was necessary for schools to make use of security gadgets, such as surveillance cameras, in securing their premises.
Another security expert, Chima Irozuru, a Police Constable, advised schools to be conscious of the vehicular and human movements in and outside their premises.
Irozuru urged the schools to have the contacts of the local vigilantes and security agencies in their neighbourhood, in case of any emergency or security breach.
“There is need for pupil-teacher-parent relationship because it helps to reveal vital information when necessary,” he said.
Also, Mr Lewis Godson gave the proprietors tips on how to achieve success in the management of their schools.
Godson advised them to always place priority on the welfare of their employees and ensure cordial relationship with them to get the best of them.
In a remark, NAPPS Coordinator in the area, Mr Tochukwu Onyemezu, described this year’s celebration as remarkable because security experts were engaged to talk to them on the need for safe learning environment.
Onyemezu also described the theme of the celebration as apt “now that the country and state are facing security challenges”.
The event, which also featured cultural display, was attended by school principals and head teachers in the zone.
Source: NAN
