LAGOS – The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has said that the postponement of the general elections was compatible with the schools’ academic calendar.
Chief Yomi Otubela, NAPPS’ President, Lagos State Chapter, told newsmen in Lagos that the postponement was an advantage because it would ensure a hitch-free term in the schools’ calendar.
Reports state that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Feb. 7 announced the postponement of the elections from February 14 and February 28 to March 28 and April 11.
Otubela said that despite the Federal Government’s announcement that schools would not be closed during the elections, some parents from South-Eastern Nigeria had withdrawn their wards and children from schools.
He said such parents claimed they could not guarantee the security of their children because of the state of the nation and as such, would want to travel back home with their children and wards.
“This development is a setback because if such children eventually returned to school, teachers would be made to start afresh with them.
“By March 28, schools would have completed their activities for the term and children would be at home, under the watchful eyes of their parents,” the Lagos NAPPS chief said.
Otubela said the postponement would enable the teaching staff of schools to pick up their permanent voters’ cards (PVCs), to ensure their active participation in the polls.