By Samuel Tyovenda
First week of resumption has been marred by a significantly low student turnout across numerous schools in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, raising concern amongst educators and parents alike. Preliminary reports indicate that attendance figures went down by an average of 45% compared to previous years, with some schools experiencing even sharp decline.
In an interview, some headteachers and principals within Makurdi metropolis explained that the prolonged absence is causing disruption to the school’s carefully planned curriculum as teachers are finding it difficult to effectively deliver lessons with a significant portion of the student body missing. According to them, “It’s disruptive to the learning process for both the absent students and their classmates”
The assistant headteacher, Kingdom Heritage Model School, Wurukum, Pastor Godwin Ishordye said “We’ve seen a concerning number of students being absent since the resumption date. While some absence are expected due to illness or family travel, the sheer number of students still absent is troubling”
He stated that the absenteeism is affecting their schools’ academic calendar and causing considerable worry among staff and parents.
Speaking on the methods used in tracking the attendance of the student, pastor Ishordye said, Teachers’ verification method is used. According to him, teachers are responsible for taking attendance in their classrooms on the first day of resumption and subsequently report any discrepancies to the attendance office.
“This helps to identify students who may have experienced transportation issues or other unforeseen circumstances preventing them from arriving on time. Also, attendance office follow-up method is used to track attendance.The attendance office actively follow up on all absenteeism, particularly those that are unexcused or persistent. They contact parents/guardians to determine the reason or reasons for the absence and develop strategies for improved attendance”
Another headteacher from Unique Nusury and Primary, Akpehe, Moses Mbaayem said, “being a headteacher and a father, it has always been like this in the first and second week of resumption in schools, but this time around festive periods contributed to the poor turnout due to the fact that some parents/ guardians like me spent much during the period and since I am being paid by the management and I am yet to receive my salary”
Moses disclosed that, speaking with some parents via phone and WhatsApp chat enabled him to understand that many parents faced the challenges of no payment of salaries which is the major cause of poor turnout in the first and second week of resumption.
Also speaking, The principal of Aggo college, Mr Utim Abraham Igbadoo, lamented that festive period are period parents/guardians spent a lot coupled with the hardship in the country. “Some parents are still harvesting their crops in their farms and some students due to this decided to help their parents before resuming school”
A parent, Mr Apuugh Jacob Mkem who is a father of two and many other parents express their views on the matter. According to them, the practice by some school management that school fee be paid alongside children resumption is the major cause of late resumption. Others suggested that school management should at least understand with parents especially during festive period to enable them sources for the school fee.
While some schools have attributed the low attendance to families extending their holidays or taking advantage of post-christmas sales. Others believe that the ongoing cost of living crisis may be playing a role, with parents potentially keeping children at home to save on expenses such as school lunches or transport costs.
