BY JUMAI NWACHUKWU
THE State Chairman of the Association of Primary School Headteachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON), Messeri Edward, has appealed to the Ministry of Primary Education to extend the deadline for the ongoing First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) registration, citing persistent technical challenges that could prevent some pupils from completing their enrollment.
Edward made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Honourable Commissioner for Primary Education, Chief Mrs Rose Ezewu. He reaffirmed the association’s longstanding partnership with the ministry and expressed optimism about the commissioner’s capacity to replicate in the primary sector the transformation recorded in secondary education.
Highlighting the concerns of headteachers across the state, Edward noted that technical glitches on the online registration platform, coupled with poor internet access in rural communities, have hindered timely registration. He warned that without an extension, many pupils risk missing the opportunity to sit for the examination.
In addition, he called for an upward review of grants allocated to schools for printing examination materials and appealed for adjustments to subventions and running costs to reflect prevailing economic realities.
In her response, the Delta State Commissioner for Primary Education Mrs Rose Ezewu acknowledged the challenges but maintained that the transition to online registration is irreversible. She urged parents to take greater responsibility in ensuring their children are properly enrolled to minimize errors in names and records. The commissioner also emphasized the need for improved ICT proficiency among headteachers to align with modern educational demands.
Ezewu further observed gaps in collaboration between schools and parents, particularly through Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs), and encouraged headteachers to strengthen community engagement for better educational outcomes. While recognizing the requests for increased grants and subventions, she clarified that such financial reviews fall within the purview of the state government.
She commended the governor’s commitment to inclusive development across sectors.
However, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to enhanced collaboration, aimed at ensuring a seamless FSLC registration process and strengthening school-parent partnerships to promote effective child development.
