The House of Representatives on Thursday, June 6, has expressed worries on the usage of social media by under 16 teens in the country.
To mitigate the effects, therefore, the House called on the Federal Ministry of Communication to develop measures to limit the usage of social media by children below 16 years.
According to the House, the rise of social media has exposed young children to unsupervised orientation. Therefore, leading to misplaced priorities and neglect of schoolwork.
The Reps, however, urged the Federal Government to adequately fund the educational sector in the country.
The lawmakers also called on the Federal Ministry of Education to review and apply stringent policies to the standard of education in Nigeria at all levels.
According to reports, the House also urged the Federal Ministry of Education and the Universal Basic Education Commission to work in synergy with the Teachers’ Education Council of Nigeria (TRCN) and other relevant bodies to monitor the accreditation and strictly regulate the Continued Professional Development (CPD) of teachers in Nigeria.
The House, therefore, mandated the Committees on Basic Education and Services and Communications to ensure implementation of the policies.
These was contained in the resolutions reached by the House on Thursday, following the adoption of a motion titled, “Need to Tackle the Dropping Standards of Education in Nigeria” sponsored by Hon. Ayodeji Alao Akala.
The House noted that the introduction of Western education changed the education landscape in Nigeria. And as a result, placed educated Nigerians on a level playing field globally.
The Reps also noted that Nigerians have demonstrated educational prowess and capability globally, thereby, earning admirable seats in positions that only education provided.
They, however, observed that the Nigerian educational sector is facing a continuous decline in standards. This they said is due to poor funding, inadequate facilities, insufficient teachers, corruption, insecurity, poor supervision and poor policy implementation. They also blamed the declining standard to poor attitudes towards schoolwork by learners.
The Reps also warned that the rise of social media has exposed young children to unsupervised orientation. Thereby, leading to misplaced priorities and neglect of schoolwork.
The lawmakers expressed worries that the Nigerian school system is plagued with numerous social vices. These they say included examination malpractices, cultism, hooliganism, and corruption.
“It was alarming that despite the constant reduction in cut-off marks, secondary school students struggle to meet average marks.
This, they said, highlight the importance of education in societal development, industries, and moral regeneration.
They believed that Education is considered the foundation of societal development, moral regeneration. It also lead to people’s revival and served as the lifeline of society;
The members, therefore, called on the Federal Government to take practical steps to address identified problems in the educational sector. This, they said, will help to foster development of the youth.
source: The Nation
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