newslifeonline

 

The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has been accused of making unsubstantiated claims that students in basic schools are consuming sachet alcohol. Mr. Ayopo Somefun, Southwest Zonal Coordinator of Parent Teacher Association of Unity Colleges, described the claim as "political" and an insult to parents.

Somefun, who is also the PTA Chairman of Federal Government Technical College, Ijebu Imushin, Ogun State, stated that he has visited over 14 unity schools and found no evidence to support NAFDAC's claim. He attributed the statement to an attempt to whip up sentiments against producers of alcoholic drinks.

The PTA official emphasized that education standards are not poor, but the quality of incentives given to educators is inadequate. He cited examples of Nigerian students excelling abroad, attributing it to the country's education system.

Somefun called on NAFDAC to withdraw the statement, labeling it an insult to parents and an attempt to give a dog a bad name. He suggested that NAFDAC focus on enforcing age restrictions on alcohol consumption instead.

On hawking near schools, Somefun explained that it is a result of economic hardship and lack of school facilities, making it difficult to stop.

He praised the federal government's free technical education and stipends for students, saying it is a step towards industrialization and national greatness.

Somefun emphasized the importance of collective effort in improving education, urging parents, government, and private sector to work together.

He commended the government's School Feeding Programme, saying it addresses hunger and encourages school attendance.

Somefun stressed that technical education should be extended to primary school level to equip students with skills.

He concluded that NAFDAC's claim is baseless and should be retracted to avoid misleading the public.