Posts by solomon2day
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APPRECIATION TO ALL AND SUNDRY
- By solomon2day
- On 18/08/2022
- In Special Report
So many weathered it all and joined I and my family in my country home, Igboukwu in Anambra state,Nigeria, where my late wife was laid to rest on the 28th of July, 2022. So, many again joined me and my family in the outing service on Sunday, 14th of August, 2022 in Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria. God proved once more that He is God. He blessed the whole occasion with good weather, security and journey mercies to everyone who attended the occasion. God bless well-wishers, admirers and friends who joined us physically, financially and prayerfully. My whole family and I are very grateful.Signed
Eze(Dr.) Alex Anozie(Ezeigbo, Ezechukwujiegosioluebube nala,Ibadan and Oyo state. Chairman Non-indigenous Traditional Heads, Oyo state
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The Quality of personnel and Insecurity
- By solomon2day
- On 16/08/2022
- In Solomon's Column
A large number of law enforcement and security personnel have for long ignored their primary duites and rather become involved wioth happenings in the political sphere in Nigeria. The motivating factor revolves around money, influence and greed, even though the authorities are fully aware of this unfortunate development.
Indeed, the chequered mindset of these set of professionals in uniform has resulted in a major set back in the unending battle to put a stop to insecurity in the land.
Sadly, over the years, nepotism, favoritism and mediocrity have ensured that unqualified persons infiltrate the law enforcement and security servcies.
This is reflected in the avoidable acts of commission and ommission in countless number of engagments whioch have defied all known procedures oif professional practice.
Note- The non-state actors at the center of violnet crimes in Nigeria today are all products of those who are obssessed with power. Those-in-Power ought to have a recipe to end the crimes against humanity.
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Condition of Primary Health Care (PHC) Delivery in Oyo State by Dr. Raymond Adegboyega
- By solomon2day
- On 15/08/2022
Note: The provision of health care at PHC level is largely the responsibility of local
governments with the support of state ministries of health and within the overall national
health policy (Nigeria Constitution, 1999).
Quality health is a fundamental right of all citizens. Primary health care (PHC) which is the first
level of contact for individuals, the family, and the community to address the main health
problems in the community, providing health promotion, preventive, curative, and rehabilitative
services are not available in all local governments in Oyo State.
Many people in Oyo State are at risk of falling into poverty due to out-of-pocket health spending
of more of their household budget. Primary health care, which is supposed to be the bedrock of
the state and health care policy is currently catering to a small number of potential patients. While
most PHC facilities are in various states of disrepair, with equipment and infrastructure being
either absent or obsolete, the referral system is almost non-existent. The reason is that the
primary health care system has deteriorated to an unacceptable level coupled with ineffective
management in Oyo State.
For universal health coverage (UHC) to be truly universal in Oyo State, a shift is needed from
health systems designed around diseases and institutions to health systems designed for people,
with people. PHC requires governments to underscore the importance of action beyond the
health sector in order to pursue a whole-of-government approach to health, including health-in-
all-policies, a strong focus on equity, and interventions that encompass the entire life course. The
health services, based on PHC, include, among other things, education concerning prevailing
health problems and the methods of preventing and controlling them, promotion of food supply
and proper nutrition, equipment and child care, including family planning and immunization against the
major infectious diseases, prevention and control of locally endemic and epidemic diseases and
provision of essential drugs and supplies. All these features are entirely absent in the context of
the Oyo State Primary Health Care Delivery.
One of the major hindrances to the development of PHC is the insufficient number of medical
personnel as well as their uneven distribution. The solution to this perennial health problem is to
scale up PHC interventions among target groups across the state in order to save many lives and
increase average life expectancy.
In conclusion, there is nothing to show for the huge amount of public funds wasted on the project.Dr. Adegboyega is the Governorship candidate of the National Rescue Movement(NRM) in Oyo state
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Walk The Talk on PWDs by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke
- By solomon2day
- On 15/08/2022
- In The People Talk
The government at all levels and people must not waste or bury talents, most especially Persons With Disabilities(PWD).Let us enact anti-discrimination and other disability-specific laws. All stakeholders must get organized on this-governments, parents, international donors, the media, the JONAPWD, Human Rights Groups, philanthropists, among others.
It is only through appropriate policy stands that we can raise the hope of the hopeless, mitigate the cause of disabilities and prevent causative factors from increasing the fold of PWDs.
Nigeria needs to implement all international instruments to which it is a signatory, on the issue of having due respect for the fundamental human rights of the people.
For example, women's rights through the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women(CEDAW), Child Rights and Inclusion Rights of the PWDs through appropriate domestication for ease of local adaptation.
We have to walk the talk of the challenges confronting disability, democracy and the rule of law, to be able to raise the hope of the people for realizable prospects of the positive impact of democracy driven by the rule of law.
This can only be possible through voting in credible leaders who are visionary and selfless in governance with a high passion for the people they are to govern through the promotion of an inclusive society where no one is marginalized, including women and the PWDs.
Above all, let us integrate the PWDs for them to naturally manage themselves with happiness and hope for destiny realization because there is ability in disability.
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Be at Peace with your Neighbors-Eze(Dr.)Anozie
- By solomon2day
- On 15/08/2022
- In News
Igbos across Nigeria have been called upon to be at peace with their neighbors. This call was made on Sunday by His Royal Highness Eze(Dr.) Alex Anozie(Ezeigbo, Ezxechukwujiegosioluebube nala), in a reception organized in honor of his late wife, Queen Besty Afulenu Anozie in Ibadan, Oyo state Nigeria,
''My special appeal is for all of us to continue to live in peace with our neighbors. Continue to live in peace and God will bless you in Jesus' name. Amen. We are law-abiding people, we follow the rule of law. Let us continue to honor God and God will bless all of us in Jesus' name. Amen, Eze(Dr.)Anozie prayed.
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Justice and Righteousness
- By solomon2day
- On 09/08/2022
- In Special Report
Better life revolves around justice and righteousness
Joshua 20
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The Infrastructure Legacies
- By solomon2day
- On 08/08/2022
- In Solomon's Column
Infrastructure development is key to the potential economic development of Nigeria.
This has been proven by advanced countries of the world.
However, Those-in-Power at all levels of government hide under the guise of promoting infrastructure development to embark on activities that are very far from transparency and accountability.
Of worry, is the fact that it is doubtful if there exists any legal and regulatory framework for the financing of infrastructure projects at all levels.
Indeed, the quality of infrastructure in different parts of the country expresses the absence of satisfactory processes of monitoring and evaluation. Of course, the scary infrastructure deficit is a major source of discomfort for Those-in-Power.
It ought not to be their legacy.Perhaps. Indeed, policy documents highlighting, most of the time, the infrastructure expansion, inter-sectoral integration and environmentally friendly conditions, if in place, may contribute positively to the attraction of urgently needed investments in critical sectors of the economy. Sadly, major investors are already divesting from Nigeria. Note- Agents of destruction are on the prowl everywhere. Watch what you eat and drink. In addition, be cautious of the people you relate with, because the heart of man is desperately wicked.
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Persons with Disabilities (PWD) : The need for participation in Development by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke
- By solomon2day
- On 08/08/2022
- In Special Report
Disability is yet to be seen as a developmental issue in Nigeria because it is grossly under-represented in legislative processes and outcomes.Instead, it has become a political weapon of campaign driven by social sympathy rather than empathy in our institutional arranegments.
The Joint National Associations of Persons with Disabilities(JONAPWD) with many advocayc groups under it has been equally influenced by the usual charity/welfare model approach to disability.
There is a need for all to develop a cultural oreintation of creating a world where the fundamental human rights of persons with disabilities including that of access is guranteed under the law and the need to create awareness on the promotion of creativity for PWDs to strenghten the voice of Persons With Disabilities through advocacy, capacity building and development networking.
This will facitiliate their participation in the political process of the nation.
Records show that some of the PWDs have been actively participating in Voter Education programs-election monitoring and observation.
They also engage in the mobilization of people living with disabilities toward participating in partisan politics through dialogue with political parties as well as in the cause of women realizing the 35 per cent affirnmative action on representation in decision making cadre through political appointments as well as having capacity and support through the elective process into positions of power.
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The need for Good Deeds
- By solomon2day
- On 03/08/2022
- In Special Report
Doing Good now is better than doing Good later.
Matthew 21 : 28-32
29 He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.
30 And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.
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The Adventures of the Powerful
- By solomon2day
- On 26/07/2022
- In Solomon's Column
The action and inaction of State Governors in Nigeria have for long being trailed by a plethora of promises.
Even though a number of them are not foundation members of the parties in question, they were given the opportunity to ascend the exalted position.
Sadly, they have destroyed these political parties.
The results of the ward, Local Government and State Primaries were manipulated to satisfy the self-centered interests of these State Governors. Interestingly, consensus has replaced election, to the chagrin of the people.
This abnormality revolves around greed.
Indeed, in the present time, the party leadership is now vested in the affected State Governors while the party Chairmen have since become ceremonial heads.
These State Governors are now in full control of the structures in the national, State, Local Government and ward levels. Most of the political parties have been decapitated, while delegates who elected candidates for various political offices were strictly the choice of the powerful.
Note-
Nigerians have continued to fall victims of criminals, who dispossess them of their landed properties in connivance with certain corrupt officials in the Executive and the Judiciary
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Statement of U.S. Attorney Nick Brown regarding voter intimidation or threats
- By solomon2day
- On 26/07/2022
- In News
Seattle – U.S. Attorney Nick Brown today issued the following statement as Western Washington voters mark their primary ballots and prepare to use ballot drop boxes throughout the Western District of Washington.
“Voter intimidation is a federal crime and any attempt to harass or discourage citizens from voting at our state’s secure election drop boxes will be investigated and prosecuted in federal court, said U.S. Attorney Brown. “We recognize and revere the First Amendment right to free speech and political debate. But there is a time when protected speech turns into acts of intimidation or threats of violence. We will work with our law enforcement partners to investigate threats of violence, hate crimes, and any effort to intimidate voters or those tasked with ensuring free and fair elections in our state.”
Under federal law, it is a felony to intimidate or threaten other persons to discourage them from voting or for assisting others in voting. This crime is punishable by up to five years in prison. Federal law also prohibits bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
Through the primary and general election periods, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will have District Election Officer Seth Wilkinson working with the FBI and other law enforcement agencies to investigate and respond to any reports of voter intimidation or threats. Assistant United States Attorney Wilkinson can be reached at (206) 553-7970 and ask to leave a message with the Civil Rights complaint hotline. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (206) 622-0460.
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Teaching Hospitals Decay-We Trust Our Representatives to do the right thing-NUAHP
- By solomon2day
- On 26/07/2022
- In News
Nigerians rely on their elected representatives to salvage the University Teaching Hospitals from total collapse.
This assertion was made on Monday by the Chairman of the Oyo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), who also doubles as the Chairman of the union at the University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan, Nigeria, Comrade Oladayo Olabampe.
Presently, there is a Bill before the Federal House of Representatives for the amendment of the University
Teaching Hospital (Reconstitution of Boards etc.) Act CAP U15 LFN 2004 sponsored by
Honourable Bamidele Salam representing Ede North/Ede South /Egbedore/Ejigbo Federal
Constituency of Osun State.
The Bill, seeks to curtail the unending acrimony among professionals in the teaching hospitals by ensuring that all critical stakeholders are involved in the composition of the boards of Teaching Hospitals, with a view to making them more vibrant and efficient."Nigerians rely so much on their representatives that we trust them. We trust them to do the right thing. The bill has passed second reading and is now for public hearing. Come the 27th of this month, we don't have to doubt them, we should rather appreciate them for rising up to the challenge. It is because we were not ready in the last 37 years, now that we arewake I know that the bill will be given final assent, "
''Our faictilities are collapsing, but the leaders in the health sector are only interested in how to make money rather than providing equipment for the hospitals. The hospitals are deteriorating. If the foundation be destroyed what can the righteous do? Thanks to Hon. Bamidele Salam, we were treating signs and symptoms, but the case is different. The amended Act will correct ou past error,''Comrade Olabampe concluded.
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Glorious Home Call
- By solomon2day
- On 13/07/2022
- In Pictures
A statement signed by HRH Eze(Dr.) Alex Anozie(Ezeigbo, Ezxechukwujiegosioluebube nala, Ibadan and Oyo state) disclosed that she slept in the Lord on the 7th April, 2022 at the University College Hospital(UCH),Ibadan, after a brief illness, while noting that ''My joy is that her soul is already resting in the bossom of the Almighty God, for everlasting.'' -
High Cost of Food-Kenyan Principals send SOS to Govt
- By solomon2day
- On 30/06/2022
- In News
Principals in secondary schools in Kenya have sent a Save Our Soul appeal to the National Cereal and Produce Board (NCPB) as a result of the prohibitive cost of living in the country. Their SOS is contained in a letter to the Ministry of Education requesting that schools be supplied with enough grains at affordable prices. This disclosure was made by the Chairperson of the Kenya Secondary School Heads Association(KSSHA),Indimuli Kahi, during a news briefing.
Kahi stated that the intervention would go a long way to salvage the worrisome situation in the schools, saying,''As it stands, various learning institutions are unable to run effectively due to the cash constraints that have pushed their budgets beyond limits.''
Read-Helplessness in the Face of Dirt
-Legalizing Crime and Criminality
-Landlords and Tenants Associations, Crime and Criminality
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Learning from Living Examples
- By solomon2day
- On 28/06/2022
- In Solomon's Column
Nigerians have persistently failed to learn from history.
There are a number of living examples who attained higher heights through the efforts of others. And in the process of consolidation, side tracked all those who were responsible for their ascendency.Read this-Helplessness in the Face of Dirt
The living examples have now become part of history.
Sadly, the present occupiers of the higher heights have continually introduced artificial crises to justify the billions of Naira that have been frittered away under the guise of securing lives and property, on a monthly basis.-Legalizing Crime and Criminality
Contracts for the supply of vehicles were facilitated without due process, while such vehicles are not worth the value attached to them. Who are the contractors? Profit from this
The poor state of infrastructure, particularly roads, contradicts the humongous amount reported to have been committed to fixing the roads. In addition, hunger, poverty and the high rate of unemployment are now policies the government at all levels apply in governance.-Landlords and Tenants Associations, Crime and Criminality
Several shuttles abroad are yet to attract meaningful development. However, such trips have depleted the dwindling funds in the treasuries at all levels of government.
Indeed, questionable spending and bloated figures on contracts awarded litter balance sheets, just as the high debt profile has now become a source of concern and worry for all and sundry.-Law Enforcement: The Reactionary Approach -Government Workers-A Subject of Debate
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FBI Deputy Director Meets With Five Eyes Partners on Shared Crime and Security Threats
- By solomon2day
- On 15/06/2022
- In News
FBI Deputy Director Paul M. Abbate traveled to Sydney, Australia, this past week for meetings with the Five Eyes Law Enforcement Group (FELEG). The international gathering brought together law enforcement leaders from the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The partners discussed mutual challenges in countering global crime and national security threats.
Raymond P. Duda, assistant director of the FBI’s International Operations Division, also participated in the FELEG discussions.
Throughout the meetings, Deputy Director Abbate emphasized the commitment of the law enforcement partners to share information and expertise and the importance of maintaining and further developing these essential relationships to better protect citizens in all five nations and around the world.
Source-FBI
Read-Helplessness in the Face of Dirt
-Legalizing Crime and Criminality
-Landlords and Tenants Associations, Crime and Criminality
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Three Indicted for Kidnapping FBI Employee
- By solomon2day
- On 07/06/2022
- In News
Trio from South Dakota and Colorado Federally Indicted for Kidnapping, Carjacking, and Firearm Offense Against FBI Employee
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that three individuals, one who resides in South Dakota and two who reside in Colorado, have been indicted by a federal grand jury for Kidnapping, Carjacking, and Using, Carrying, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence.
Read-Helplessness in the Face of Dirt
Juan Francisco Alvarez-Soto, age 23 and originally from El Salvador; Deyvin Morales, age 27 and originally from Guatemala; and Lourdes Alondra Bonilla, age 23 and originally from Colorado, were indicted on May 19, 2022. The defendants appeared before a magistrate judge in the District of Colorado, and each defendant pleaded not guilty to the Indictment. The three defendants will be transported to the District of South Dakota for further court proceedings.
-Legalizing Crime and Criminality
The maximum term of imprisonment upon conviction for each count is as follows: up to life for Kidnapping; up to fifteen (15) years for Carjacking; and a mandatory minimum of seven (7) years up to life for Using, Carrying, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence. Each count also has a maximum fine of $250,000.
-Landlords and Tenants Associations, Crime and Criminality
According to the indictment, on or about May 6, 2022, near Red Shirt, in the District of South Dakota, the defendants, Juan Francisco Alvarez-Sorto, a/k/a Juan Francisco Alvarez, a/k/a “Juanito R.,” a/k/a “Juan Jr.,” Deyvin Morales, a/k/a Deyvin Eliabid Escriba Morales, a/k/a Deybi Eleabit Escriba Morales, a/k/a “Guate,” a/k/a “Watay,” a/k/a “Chapine,” and Lourdes Alondra Bonilla, a/k/a “Bhabie Doze,” a/k/a “Princess_Doze,” did willfully and knowingly kidnap and abduct a victim. At the time, the victim was engaged in the performance of their official duties as a professional support employee with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The defendants also took the victim’s vehicle, with force, violence, and intimidation, and brandished a rifle during the commission of the charged criminal conduct. It is alleged that the defendants aided and abetted each other in committing the charges set forth in the indictment.
-Law Enforcement: The Reactionary Approach
The charges are merely accusations, and each defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri is prosecuting the case.
The defendants were all detained pending further court proceedings in South Dakota. A trial date has not been set.
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Vote Wisely
- By solomon2day
- On 31/05/2022
- In News
Most of those in the political class have never protected the interests of Nigerian workers. Every worker must take this into consideration when deciding in the 2023 General Elections. Vote Wisely.
Read-Helplessness in the Face of Dirt -Legalizing Crime and Criminality
-Landlords and Tenants Associations, Crime and Criminality -Law Enforcement: The Reactionary Approach
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National Labor Organization Employee Sentenced to Prison for Embezzling More Than $270,000 from Union
- By solomon2day
- On 31/05/2022
- In News
Press Release
WASHINGTON – Donnell Owens, a former employee of the American Federation of Government Employees, was sentenced today to 15 months in prison for an embezzlement scheme in which he stole more than $270,000 from the labor union.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office Criminal Division, and Mark Wheeler, Director of the Washington District Office of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards.
Read-Helplessness in the Face of Dirt
Owens, 34, of District Heights, Maryland, pleaded guilty in October 2021, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, to one count of embezzlement and theft of labor union assets. He was sentenced by the Honorable Reggie B. Walton. Following his prison term, Owens will be placed on three years of supervised release. He also must pay $273,745 in restitution and an equal amount in a forfeiture money judgment.
-Legalizing Crime and Criminality
According to the statement of offense submitted to the Court and admitted by Owens, from October 2014 through June 2018, Owens worked as a Secretary to the Director of Communications at the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), a labor organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. which represents workers in various functions of the private sector and the government affecting commerce throughout the United States and overseas. During this period, Owens embezzled more than $270,000 in AFGE funds for his use and the use of others.
-Landlords and Tenants Associations, Crime and Criminality
As detailed in court documents, throughout the scheme Owens abused and misused his position and employment at AFGE in order to seek and obtain illegal monetary gains at the expense of the labor organization. For example, Owens submitted false and fraudulent check requests for payments related to services, such as photography and videography, that were purportedly provided by alleged vendors. As a result of these submissions, AFGE funds were subsequently disbursed. These check requests listed fictitious dollar amounts for fake work assignments supposedly performed by vendors, who were not actually hired by AFGE. In fact, the purported vendors who allegedly performed the fake work assignments were really friends and associates of Owens, who he recruited as part of his illegal scheme.
-Law Enforcement: The Reactionary Approach
As Secretary to the Director of Communications, Owens also had access to an Amazon account and a union credit card linked to it. During the scheme, Owens also used this account and linked credit card to embezzle items and make dozens of unauthorized personal purchases, including clothing, shoes, jewelry, and party supplies. Additionally, Owens used union credit cards to purchase items from other online retailers for personal use, including T-shirts for his online business, microphones, and flowers.
To avoid detection and cover up the fraud, Owens provided falsified signatures, fraudulent expense vouchers, and altered receipts for these items. However, the investigation revealed photos of Owens, his family members, and associates wearing the clothing purchased on Amazon with the union credit card on social media accounts belonging to the defendant.
-Government Workers-A Subject of Debate
This investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Washington Field Office and the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne P. McNamara of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. Assistance was provided by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily A. Miller and Paralegal Specialists Amanda Rohde and Mariela Andrade.
Source-FBI
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Make School Environment Conducive to teaching and Learning-Prof. Olagoke to Govt
- By solomon2day
- On 31/05/2022
- In The People Talk
Primary and Secondary schools have resumed for the third term and stakeholders in the education sector are expressing optimism that there shall be an improvement in the academic performances of pupils and students. In this interview the Founder, Spiritual Head, and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke advises the Government and teachers to be upright. Excerpts :
What is your advice to the government and teachers as the third term gets underway nationwide?
The third term is a decisive segment of the session in the lives of the students and teachers in every educational institution across the federation.
This is the period when students are evaluated through different examination bodies-internal and external.
The success rate in this term is a measure of the work done by the teachers. Teachers must be up and doing to ensure that the results of the students are satisfactory.
The Government on its part must ensure that the term runs smoothly without any disruption.
The Government is also expected to provide the necessary assistance needed by the schools in preparing and getting the students ready for their different external examinations.
The Government should also ensure the school environment is conducive to learning by providing good structures for the use of the students. The environment should also be enabling for teaching and learning.
Above all, discipline should be an integral part of any school administration to be able to check the excesses of the students and teachers.
Furthermore, the teachers need to be encouraged and appreciated as and when due to boost their morale.
The prompt payment of salaries and other related incentives.
It is very imperative for the government to adequately fund the education sector even beyond the stipulated benchmark of 26 per cent of the annual budget as obtains in countries such as Ghana and other progressive nations in the world. These countires have been able to achieve outstanding student performances to the level of the expected quality and standard.
The third term is underwayalready, students and teachers must be committed to the cause of very high sucess rates in theri various examinations through adequate preparations for it knowing fully well that the focus of all teachers and learners in the world today is on competitiveness in the global market.
