The All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) has urged governments at all levels and relevant stakeholders to provide steady electricity and internet facilities in all secondary schools in the country.

“The measure will facilitate digital literacy among secondary school students across the country,” ANCOPSS’ national president, Mohammed Musa, said.

Mr Musa made the call in Abuja on Sunday.

He also called on governments and other relevant agencies to organise capacity-building programmes for school managers, teachers, and students in accordance with the federal government’s digital literacy roadmap.

He specifically called on telecommunication network providers to support the provisions of internet connectivity and communication networks in secondary schools as part of their corporate social responsibility.

According to him, this will facilitate the actualisation of digital literacy among secondary school students and help build a robust digital economy in the country.

Recognising entrepreneurship as a key driver of job creation and economic growth, Mr Musa said that the facilities, if provided, would equally strengthen the implementation of an entrepreneurship curriculum designed to promote self-reliance among secondary school students.

He pointed out the limited number of white-collar jobs and the mismatch between skills acquired in formal education and the skill sets required by industries, contributing to high unemployment rates among youths.

Mr Musa noted the crucial role of entrepreneurship education in developing knowledge, skills, attitudes, and positive behaviours, which are necessary for recognising opportunities and generating innovative ideas to solve societal needs.

However, he groaned over the absence of the infrastructure and facilities needed to deliver comprehensive and functional entrepreneurship education in secondary school, thereby rendering the curriculum meaningless.

According to him, the inability of some secondary schools to equip their students with entrepreneurial skills is one reason students do not develop an interest in setting up businesses.

He noted that equipping schools with steady electricity, internet connectivity, and other facilities would not only promote digital literacy but also strengthen the delivery of entrepreneurship skills in secondary schools.

“This will help to equip students with the necessary competencies to thrive as future entrepreneurs and contribute meaningfully to national development.

“This is crucial, in view of the prevailing societal needs for skills’ manpower to drive the nation’s economy for inclusive and sustainable growth and development,” he said.

Mr Musa described principals as key drivers of implementing entrepreneurship education, and as such, they should be adequately trained on global best practices.

He said this would foster the development of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in secondary schools and promote the development of functional skills among students.

The national president urged school principals to involve community members, such as the Parents-Teachers Associations and School-Based Management Committees, in promoting entrepreneurial skills to create future job creators.

“Stakeholders should implement the entrepreneurship education curriculum in response to societal needs by involving industry experts and successful entrepreneurs to provide practical mentorship to young entrepreneurs in schools,” he said. 

(NAN)