Delayed Capitation Funds Release Threatens Public School Operations
The failure of the government to release capitation funds is jeopardizing the functioning of public schools, potentially leading to a paralysis of the education system.
The National Parents Association (NPA) has raised concerns, pointing out that some schools are struggling to operate amidst deepening financial constraints.
The looming crisis puts sports activities at risk, with schools warning that their cancellation could provoke unrest among students.
The NPA has issued a warning, highlighting the dire situation faced by schools as the financial crunch worsens.
Without the necessary funds, many schools are barely able to operate.
The lack of financial support has severe implications for various aspects of education, particularly the upcoming sports events scheduled to commence in two weeks.
Capitation Funds Delay
Eskimos Kobia, Secretary-General of the NPA, expressed fears that school operations could come to a standstill if the capitation funds are not released promptly.
The association revealed that during the first term, the government only allocated 50 percent of the funds, leaving public schools without any financial support for the second term.
According to the law, schools are supposed to receive 50 percent of the total funds in the first term, 30 percent in the second term, and the remaining balance in the third term, but this has not been implemented.
Investigations conducted by the NPA indicate that parents are now bearing the responsibility that should be shouldered by the government.
Some headteachers are sending students home to collect fee balances in order to pay workers and address other pressing learning needs.
This places an additional burden on parents who are already grappling with financial challenges.
Junior Secondary Schools Affected
Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) bear the brunt of the crisis, as they face a shortage of teachers, learning materials, and funding.
As a result, the learning process in some JSSs is expected to be disrupted in the near future.
The lack of adequate resources and personnel greatly impedes the education of students in these schools.
The NPA has described the government’s fresh demand for student information as a delaying tactic.
This request for information is part of the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS).
The association believes that this unnecessary administrative hurdle is contributing to the delay in releasing the much-needed capitation funds.
Sports Activities
Numerous school administrators have acknowledged the precarious situation, emphasizing that the government’s financial year is nearing its end.
They caution that the failure to release the funds will result in the cancellation of planned sports activities.
Sports have historically played a vital role in managing students, and the absence of funds will have consequences that the government should be prepared for.
Delayed Capitation Funds Release Threatens Public School Operations
