…As School Celebrates 30-year Anniversary
The Proprietor and Director of Studies, Ferscoat International School, Lagos, Pastor Felix Opata has recommended strict measures to curb the menace of examination malpractice in the country.
According to him, this is killing the education system in Nigeria and if care is not taking, the country will soon have a crop of graduates that can not defend their certificates.
He made the appeal during the event organised to celebrate the school’s 30 years anniversary recently held in Lagos.
Pastor Opata also appealed to the government through the ministry of education to come to the aid of private schools financially.
He said this became necessary because of the current economic terrain which has made it difficult for private individuals to run schools very effectively even though parents pay fees.
“The amount of money needed by schools has never been enough.
“If private schools must must deliver on their promise of quality academic standards, then government should come to our aid through reduced taxes, reduced interest rates from borrowing for projects and intervention funds for development of schools,” he added.
Speaking on the school’s 30th anniversary, Pastor Opata who is also the Director Of Studies (DOS), said it is time to celebrate God’s faithfulness of a journey which began as an unknown mustard seed which has now become a beckon of hope for the provision of qualitative education to meet needs of the yearnings of parents, the community and the world at large.
He added that September 29th, 2022 marked the school’s 30th year of existence having made positive impact in education within and outside the country in terms of its contribution to the human capital development needs of the country.
“The beginning of any journey is certain but its course and how it ends is not known with certainty. Ferscoat as a school has gone through many stages of development and these processes have culminated into what Ferscoat now stands for, excellence,” he explained.
Pastor Opata added that from its teething stage, the school has been very consistent and focused on the mantra: “It can be done without getting involved in short cuts.”
“Such avowed belief means putting in extra ordinary effort in imparting learners and staff alike for them to stand out among their equals. This in turn earned the school its name, ‘Panel beaters and extra milers.”
The DOS however said to achieve and sustain this feat, the school has continued to press harder and instituted the concept of Total Quality Management.
“This is where all staff are trained and re-trained in order to improve themselves through seminars and morning briefing which in turn have helped them in qualitative delivery in the classes.”
The educationist explained further that the unique innovation has launched the school on a position stage year after year with the necessary checks or monitoring tools in place to steer the school on the right course.
“Reminiscence of the past clearly shows the journey, the challenges, leverages and options of growth. In all all these, various stakeholders have all contributed significantly towards the making of Ferscoat.
He therefore used the opportunity to thank staff, parents, business contact groups, past and present learners for their support over the years.
“Receiving information on the prospects of our past learners gladdens our heart. Out of these learners are various disciplines and these show that the mantra of the visioneer, ‘it can be done’ holds sway.
“To cap this is the trust that the alumni have in the school by also enrolling their biological children in the school for them to also go through the same experience they had in their alma mater,” he disclosed.
Representing the Ministry of Education, Lagos State, the Coordinating Director, District 1, Agege Office of Education Quality Assurance, Mrs. Ayodeji Adebara in her remarks commended the school for its resilient and hard work over the years in order to impart quality and impactful education on their learners.
Stating that the support of private schools has helped the state government to deliver quality education to its citizenry, Mrs Adebara said the state government will not relent in its oars for rules and regulations to be adhered to with the aim of achieving qualitative education.
She added that the government rejoice with and urged the school’s management to continue the good work which she said has molded several lives over the years.
Highpoint of the event was the book presentation entitled ‘Fesrcoat at 30’ written by the founder, Pastor Felix Opata.
There was also awards to deserving staff and parents whose contributions over the years has helped the school grow to its height.
