THE need for innovative approach in surmounting challenges presented to the education sector by the COVID-19 pandemic has been emphasized.
To this end, respondents who spoke to Newsden on the 2020 Malala Day celebrated over the weekend, have called on government and wealthy individuals to support opportunities that will sustain teaching and learning, amid COVID-19 pandemic, for which schools have remained closed.
Newsden reports that Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani Human Rights Activist, being celebrated every twelfth July, became the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014, at seventeenth year, for her education advocacy which she started after she survived being shot by the Pakistani Taliban, as she rode to school to campaign for girl’s education rights.
An Ambassador to the Federation on Girl Child, Lady Maryann Ekeh-lzuchukwu, described her as a shining example in using new communication media aright.
The Commissioner, Nigerian Girl Guides Association and Vice Chairperson, International Federation of Women lawyers, Anambra State, Dr. Helen Obi, gave an insight into legal framework supporting girl child education.
However, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, for which schools have remained closed, other respondents’ attention justifiably shifted towards finding solutions to the continued closure, without which the campaign for girl’s education rights will be less relevant.
Mrs. Imelda Emeka, former Director of Otuocha Educational Zone, Reverend Father Hyacinth Azodo, Manager and Principal of Saint Theresa’s Secondary School, Ugwuoba, Alhaji Giddado Sadiq, Leader of Fulani communities in the South East, and Mr. Dominic Ezeoke, a caregiver, emphasized the need for increased budgetary allocation to education sector, in order to provide and expand facilities in schools, since online and various virtual means of teaching and learning can’t replace or be as effective as learning in a physical classroom.
But, determined to overcome challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, Miss Pamode Oleh, of College of Nursing Science, Amichi, Chinelo Nwoye of Nneamaka Secondary School, Ifitedunu, and Chidiebele Uzu of Saint Joseph’s Secondary School, Nimo said online teaching and learning, ABS teaching on air and attending extramural lessons, among others, have remained a better alternative.
BY SUNNY A. DAVID
