Post COVID-19 Era: Sch Proprietress Canvasses Govt Support
Seeks loan facility as incentive
BY EDMOND ODOK, ABUJA – Private school owners in the country needs urgent financial support from government at all levels to recover and stay afloat in this post COVID-19 era.
The Proprietress of Enal International Schools, Kuje in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mrs Enechojo Stella Alfa, who made the appeal, said the economic crisis triggered by the global pandemic has taken a huge toll on private school operators and government must therefore come to their rescue to protect jobs.
Mrs Alfa said the assistance will also serve as an incentive for school proprietors to cushion the economic dislocation suffered by many due to the deadly virus infection in Nigeria.
She told journalists in Abuja that most owners are now struggling to keep their schools open because the pandemic has adversely impacted the income sources of many families.
According to her, it is important that government provide to loan facilities, specifically tailored to meet the urgent needs of private schools given the important roles and huge gap being covered by their operations in the nation’s educational sector
Mrs Alfa said education being very critical to the development of any society, nations attain greatness by making necessary investments in the sector.
The school owner said; “investors in the educational sector of the nation’s economy should not only be commended, but also encouraged to do more.
“Investing in the education sector cannot be driven solely by profit motives, but rather by the desire to ensure quality transformation of the larger society”.
She said those investing in the “education sector should be encouraged because they are helping government drive its development objectives”.
Mrs Alfa also urged parents to see private school owners as their partners in the quest to equip their wards with what is needed to face the challenges of an ever changing world.
Enal International Schools Kuje is ranked among the leading private schools in the FCT and offers co-educational day and boarding facilities.
Established in 2006/2007 academic session, the school has grown impressively and currently boast of a Creche, Nursery, Primary as well as Junior and senior Secondary sections.