REGIONAL MINISTER CALLS ON SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL HEADMASTERS
This morning, The Oti Regional Minister held discussions with all headmasters across the Oti Region to better understand the major challenges facing their schools and to explore practical ways of addressing them. The purpose of the engagement was to listen to their concerns, identify priority areas for intervention, and strengthen collaboration towards improving education delivery across the region.
During the discussions, some headmasters expressed concerns about the perceived imbalance in the distribution of development projects, noting that while some schools have benefited from infrastructure and other interventions, others have not received similar support. In response, I explained that many of these projects were secured through the lobbying efforts of Members of Parliament, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives, traditional leaders, opinion leaders, and other stakeholders within the various communities.
He emphasized that development does not occur automatically. Stakeholders must be proactive in seeking support and presenting the needs of their institutions to the appropriate authorities. Schools that remain silent about their challenges may find it difficult to attract the necessary interventions and resources. For this reason, Hon. John encouraged all headmasters not to remain idle but to actively engage with relevant authorities and development partners in pursuit of opportunities for their schools.
He further reminded the headmasters that they work directly under my supervision, and therefore I expect them to communicate any pressing issues affecting their schools without delay. They should not wait for inspections or visits before bringing such concerns to my attention. I encouraged them to submit formal requests and reports on urgent developmental needs through my office so that I can support them in sourcing funding and follow up with the appropriate institutions to ensure timely action.
In addition, the Minister advised the headmasters to strengthen their relationship with their respective Members of Parliament and other key stakeholders, whose lobbying efforts play a critical role in securing development projects. It is important that all schools actively participate in this process so that every institution can benefit from improved infrastructure, teaching and learning facilities, staff accommodation, and other educational resources necessary for quality education.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for every headmaster to freely express their concerns and share the specific challenges confronting their schools. From the discussions, it became evident that many schools urgently require additional classroom blocks, teachers’ accommodation, furniture, teaching and learning materials, sanitation facilities, and other essential infrastructure to enhance both academic work and staff welfare.
At the conclusion of the engagement, I assured all headmasters of my unwavering commitment to advocating for the needs of schools across the region. I also stated that contractors responsible for abandoned or uncompleted school projects will be held accountable and encouraged to return to site to complete the outstanding works. Every effort will be made to ensure that such stalled projects are completed so that the intended benefits can be realized by students, teachers, and the wider community.
Together, through collaboration, effective communication, and proactive engagement with all relevant stakeholders, we can accelerate the development of our schools and create a better learning environment for every child in the Oti Region.
