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There has been a change in Oyo State’s public and private schools academic calendar and programs.
The State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Adeniyi Olowofela disclosed this at the Ministry’s Conference room on Wednesday.
According to him, the third term academic program commenced on the 26th of July 2016 and would end by Friday 9th September 2016.
He stated that a week third term holiday would commence on Monday 12th September 2016 till Friday 16th September 2016 for the students to have a brief break.
Prof. Olowofela hinted that the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) for students in Junior Secondary school (JSS 3) would start by the 8th of August, 2016 to end by the 18th of August 2016 while the thirm examination would start the 22nd of August 2016 to end by the 2nd of September 2016.
The 2016/2017 academic year, according to the Commissioner would take off on Monday 19th September, 2016 for those in the education sector to be able to prepare ahead for the task of impacting qualitative education on the younger ones who he described as future leaders.
“The government of Oyo State appreciates the efforts of all concerned that eventually culminated into the end of the industrial logjam and we wish to inform the members of the general public that after an extensive deliberation with relevant stakeholders, it was agreed upon that the reviewed dates, as stated earlier be adhered to for the completion of the session and for smooth preparation of the coming academic session.”
He said government had received letters of apology from principals of the seventeen schools closed down by government for their students participation in public disorder and expressed hope that normalcy and greater development would follow the resumption of schools in the State in terms of students performance.
Olowofela added that the affected schools would resume with others while the letters of apology from the teachers and students should be written the moment they resumed.
“In line with the directive of the State government in checking brigandage and acts of indiscipline, especially among our youths that the schools’ principals, teachers and students affected write letters of apology to the government, we want to acknowledge the receipt of the letters of apology from principals of the seventeen schools closed down by government and it is expected that normalcy will return to these schools as they resumed.
“Let me use this occasion to warn all public school teachers and administrators who are found to be habitual absconders from their working place that government would regard their action as wilful absenteeism and treat the case as statutorily dictated.”
The Chairman, All Nigeria Congress of Principals of Public Schools (ANCOPPS), Oyo State chapter, Mr Ranti Obafunso and the Secretary, National Parents, Teachers Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) Deacon Akinola Olufemi, while appreciating government for deeming it fit to readjust the school program enjoined all parents, teachers and students to adhered strictly to the new school calendar so as to cover lost academic ground and also warned that extant government laws against absenteeism might come upon any teacher not found at his or her place of work.