Editorial
Education: Dangers Of Early Start
There are worries these days about the way parents are sending their kids to school earlier than it was many years ago; for example, a situation where children of six and nine months are sent to creche and day care centres all in the name of starting them early.
Although some parents whose schedules are tight say they have no choice than to do so since getting a house help or nanny has a lot of implications for the child and the family. But aside that, some people feel that the benefit of sending their children to school so early will help them secure job early. And the issue of starting life early.
So many years ago, children of school age were not allowed to start school until their hands could cross from one part of their ear to another. That was the yardstick used to ascertain whether one could start school or not.
It is important that our wards acquire education early but their lives should not be put to danger because we want them to finish school early. The truth is that parents are pushing their children into school these days as if there is competition among families and friends. This is not healthy enough for our young ones.
I don’t understand why a child of 12 years should be in Senior Secondary Two (SS2). It means that the child will be a graduate at age 13 or 14 in SS3. This should be discouraged by government and private school operators.
Which university will admit a student of 14 or 15 years when universities insist that they must be 16-years old before being admitted? I’ve seen a child who performed well both in SSCE and UTME but was denied admission by one of our universities because he was below 16 years.
That is a welcome development. Maturity is one of the factors in the teaching and learning process. We should not send our children to school earlier than it should be. No matter how intelligent a child is, he should not be allowed to jump any class. School managers should resist parents who may want their children to jump from one class to another.
Even if a child scores Excellent in all subjects in a particular class, that child should be allowed to touch all the classes, complete primary 6 of lower basic. That will make a significant impact on that child. Years back, many of us started secondary school at the age of 12 and 13 and never lost anything, as we finished at 17, 18 and 19 before seeking admission into the university.
Back in secondary school, some students were already 20 years and never bothered being in the same class with younger persons. There are children who are exceptionally good but that does not mean a child should be sent to school prematurely. That child may suffer inferiority complex in the midst of seniors.
Children should be allowed to move with their peers. This will give them a sense of belonging among peers. When a child begins to nurse the problem of inferiority complex, he will certainly experience withdrawal syndrome. Peer group pressure becomes a problem on the child.
Those are some of the challenges resulting from keeping younger persons among the older ones. We are not in danger so we should not put our children into such uncomfortable scenario. Nowadays, children are getting into school at tender age as parents dictate. There are things children are supposed to learn as kids at a particular level and when they jump such level and get to a point where parents want them to be, one day, those children will definitely feel it and the significance of the level will manifest.
Children should be allowed to enjoy whatever thing they are meant to enjoy at every level. No level of a child’s development should be ignored. Every stage of development is important, no matter how intelligent that child may be. Stakeholders know why every curriculum is prepared in a way to suit every child. So, parents should allow children to enjoy every stage in their lives.
A teacher once told me that children below 10 years who find themselves in secondary school do not concentrate in class. They find it difficult to concentrate, no matter what the teacher does.
Parents deny their kids parental care. Sometimes in schools, parents abandon their wards at the mercy of minders after school hours, up to 6:00pm. Whereas they should have gone home earlier to prepare for the next day. Even at home, they are left in the hands of house helps and nannies while parents are busy looking for money. Children are denied parental care and are not getting full maturity because of these factors.
Another reason for this rush by parents is pride. A parent may be boasting that his child is either in ABC school and representing the whole world while another person’s child is at home or one “inferior” school.
Children who are pushed into school prematurely do not sustain it most times. Students of 15 and 16 years old going into university can suffer depression according to research. Researches have also shown that they (younger ones) risk the problem of mental health more than their older classmates.
In the case of creche and day care centres, the idea is not really to acquire education; yet, parents decide to keep their babies so that they can go about their daily businesses. It is true they need money to cater for their households.
Teaching and learning process begins with the parents. No matter how tight our schedules may be, we must take care of our kids. Parents must devote time to nurture and teach their children many things that they cannot be done in classroom. We should not rush them through life all in a bid to acquire education early.
It is worrisome that parents rush their children to school while they cannot speak and understand their languages and dialects. One of the guidelines in the National Policy in Education is that children should be taught in their mother tongue at home while they learn foreign language in school.
The Policy also stipulates that every child at the basic level should be taught the language of the place of residence. I’m not sure school managers are obeying this instruction and parents do not do a follow-up.
Parents rush their children to school while they do not understand their environment, culture and tradition of theirs and others. Although few schools devote little time to mark cultural day for the kids. It is good that people start school early and graduate at 20, 21 and maybe get a job at 23 and 24 as some employers will indicate.
There was a period when students secured admission between the ages of 22 and 23 years as a result of either delay in obtaining credits in their choice of disciplines and high scores in UTME. They still graduate at 27 and 28 before proceeding for national youth service.
By: Eunice Choko-Kayode
Nigerians are outraged by the Federal Government’s approval of a 50 per cent increase in telecommunications tariffs, with organised labour threatening to mobilise workers to boycott telecom services. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have described the upcoming tariff as outrageous, lamenting that it will worsen the already harsh living conditions of workers and the masses.
Similarly, the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) rejected the hike, stating that it was ill-timed and did not take into consideration the struggles of Nigerians. The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) also criticised the review, calling it an illegal, unconstitutional, and oppressive policy that undermines the fundamental rights and freedoms of Nigerians. It is a difficult moment for the industry.
Recall that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approved a 50 per cent increase in tariffs for telecom operators last Monday, instead of the 100 per cent raise that operators had requested. This decision quickly angered the consumers’ association, which criticised the government’s approval as not only punitive but also insensitive.
We wholeheartedly agree with the stance of labour and other groups on this very sensitive matter. We unequivocally condemn the 50 per cent increase in telecom tariffs. Though telecom operators cite higher operational costs and inflation as reasons for the hike, the timing and impact raise serious concerns in the current economic situation. It is a blatant attack on the well-being of the Nigerian worker and a betrayal of the people to corporate interests.
Telecommunication services are essential for daily communication, work, and access to information. However, the average Nigerian worker already spends approximately 10 per cent of their wages on telecom charges. For a worker earning the current minimum wage of N70,000, this means an increase from N7,000 to a staggering N10,500 per month or 15 per cent of their salary, a cost that is unsustainable.
This hike exemplifies the government’s apparent ease in prioritising corporate profits over citizens’ welfare. It is shocking that the government approved a 50 per cent tariff increase for telecom companies within a month, yet took nearly a year to approve the recent minimum wage for workers, despite the rising cost of living and inflation eroding purchasing power.
The questions are: When will the government stand up for the citizens it swore to protect? When will the National Assembly rise to its responsibility and hold the Executive accountable for policies that blatantly undermine the welfare of the majority? When will the common man finally heave a sigh of relief in Nigeria? We urge the government, the NCC, and the National Assembly to review the implementation of this ill-advised increase.
It is difficult to understand the state of mind of the managers of the nation’s economy. Sadly, these managers have alienated themselves from the reality of today. How can a government approve a 50 per cent hike in the tariff of telecom services when even the N70,000 minimum wage has been eroded by inflation, electricity tariff hikes, exorbitant fuel costs, transportation, and other social services?
Even if there is a need for an increase, why does it have to be 50 per cent? If, after dialogue, it is agreed that a raise is necessary, we should all consider a more reasonable increase rather than the 50 per cent hike. Fifty per cent is excessive and will only worsen the already harsh living conditions of workers, placing a heavier burden and more suffering on them and the general population.
The recognition of telecommunication services as essential components of modern society cannot be overstated. In an era characterised by rapid digital transformation, these services are fundamental not only for personal communication but also for facilitating broader socio-economic engagement. The proposed tariffs increase in the telecom sector raises critical concerns regarding equitable access to vital services that support communication, education, healthcare, and commerce.
In a democracy, the people should be the central focus of all government actions and policies. Every decision should aim to improve their quality of life. This plan must be carefully scrutinised with the welfare of citizens in mind. An increase in telecom tariffs will negatively impact many Nigerians, as the internet has become an essential tool for business, communication, and daily activities.
The Tide calls for the immediate suspension of the 50 per cent hike in tariffs. Instead, we recommend a more reasonable adjustment of a maximum of 10 per cent, which balances industry sustainability with the current economic realities in the country. We also demand that the NCC engages in genuine, inclusive consultations with consumer advocacy groups, civil society organisations, and other grassroots stakeholders before implementing any tariff adjustments.
Born on January 28, 1975, in Opobo Town, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph and Love Fubara welcomed their second of five children and first son. His father, a former soldier who completed an overseas training tour of duty, instilled in him a strong sense of discipline and dedication. His mother, a civil servant, taught him the importance of hard work and perseverance.
He received his primary education at Opobo Primary School and continued his studies at Comprehensive Secondary School in Opobo. His passion for numbers led him to pursue a degree in Accountancy at the then Rivers State University of Science and Technology, now known as Rivers State University.
Upon completion of his Bachelor’s degree, he pursued further education and obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Science (MSc) from the prestigious University of Port Harcourt in 2013 and 2016, respectively. Fubara’s dedication to his studies and his commitment to personal growth have shaped him into the accomplished individual he is today.
Sim, fondly called by his colleagues, started his career in 2003 as a principal accountant at the Rivers State Senior Secondary Schools Board. His dedication led to his promotion to Director of Finance and Accounts at the Government House in 2015. In March 2020, he was appointed Permanent Secretary and then became the Accountant-General of Rivers State on December 23, 2020.
His achievements are numerous, as he is a Knight of the St. Christopher (KSC) Order of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion. Additionally, he holds the prestigious traditional chieftaincy title of Amaopusenibo of Opobo Kingdom. The Governor’s commitment to family is evident through his marriage to Valerie Ibiere Fubara, with whom he shares three beautiful children.
Among Siminalayi’s other significant qualifications and accomplishments are his fellowship with the Nigerian Institute of Management and his fellowship with the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN). He holds membership in the Chartered Institute of Forensic and Investigative Auditors. His impressive background has gained him the trust and support of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), leading to his victory in the party’s governorship primaries for the 2023 general elections.
Fubara embodies a leadership style defined by simplicity and compassion. He exhibits patience, confidence, and empathy in his interactions with those he serves. His humility and faith in God make him trustworthy. Representing the younger generation, Sim leads with the slogan “Consolidating and Continuing the New Rivers Vision,” focusing on developing infrastructure, healthcare, education, security, agriculture, and investment opportunities for Rivers State.
The bravery exhibited by His Excellency in resisting godfatherism has attracted respect from a wide array of Nigerians, Africans, and supporters of democracy around the world. He emphasises serving the interests of the people of Rivers over any godfather. His actions unify diverse groups in the state, promoting a sense of belonging among various ethnicities.
Our affable Governor exemplifies robust moral leadership rooted in his Christian beliefs. As a devoted Knight, he shows compassion and selflessness in his governance. He fosters an environment where all religions can peacefully coexist. Fubara sponsored Muslim pilgrims for the 2024 Hajj and personally wished them well, encouraging them to pray for the state and Nigeria. His religious tolerance has earned him respect among Nigerians who value coexistence.
Moreover, the Governor’s appealing physique and charming smile have garnered admiration from many Nigerians, who view physical beauty as a reflection of inner qualities. His tall stature has solidified his status as a revered figure, commanding respect across the nation. Fubara has shown dedication to women’s issues by initiating several programmes in collaboration with the Women Affairs Ministry and the Office of the First Lady, highlighting his strong commitment to women’s empowerment and gender equality.
Sir Fubara has focused on actively involving young people in his governance by launching entrepreneurship and training schemes, notably the Rivers State Youth Empowerment Scheme. His efforts to support youth have earned him the backing of many young Nigerians. Additionally, he provides scholarships and makes donations to orphanages, demonstrating his commitment to investing in education for the benefit of children in the state.
Known for his strong commitment to national unity, this Governor reaches out to Nigerians from various backgrounds. As a state Governor, he demonstrates great nationalism by supporting citizens from other states, especially in Rivers. He respects the rule of law and democratic values, which has enabled past local government chairmen to complete their terms without issues. His effective management of Rivers State’s resources promotes transparency and accountability.
Despite facing numerous distractions, the Rivers Chief Executive has made remarkable strides in steering the state’s affairs, reflecting his unwavering focus and commitment to delivering results. He has encountered challenges but remains dedicated to his vision for a better state. His peaceful and caring leadership style has made him popular, inspiring new leaders to emulate similar qualities. By being strong yet compassionate, he has redefined the concept of leadership. Fubara’s selfless nature prioritises the state’s needs above his own. This has earned him widespread support.
As he commemorates his Golden Jubilee birthday today, even the most ardent critics, adversaries, and accusers cannot overlook that he embodies a worthy precursor in every sense.
Happy Birthday, His Excellency!
