By Musa Solomon
The Kogi State Commissioner for Education, Hon. Wemi Jones, has urged proprietors of private schools across the state to embrace teamwork, collaboration and technology integration as essential tools for improving teaching and learning outcomes.
Jones made the call while speaking as Special Guest at the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Kogi State Chapter, Day Celebration held in Kabba, Kogi State.
Speaking on the theme, “Building a High-Performing Team Culture in Schools Through Collaboration and Technology Integration,” the commissioner described the theme as timely and forward-looking, stressing that the success of modern schools depends on the collective efforts of school proprietors, administrators, teachers, non-teaching staff, parents and students.
He noted that the era when schools depended solely on the efforts of individual proprietors or teachers had passed, emphasising that a high-performing school must cultivate a shared vision, mutual trust, effective communication and a strong spirit of collaboration among all stakeholders.
According to him, collaboration among teachers through peer lesson observation, joint lesson planning and regular mentoring would strengthen professional capacity and improve learning outcomes for students.
Jones also encouraged school proprietors to regard their staff as partners in progress rather than mere employees, noting that an environment that promotes teamwork and shared responsibility would enhance institutional growth and academic excellence.
On technology integration, the commissioner described technology as an indispensable tool in modern education, urging private schools to adopt digital platforms and school management systems to improve administration, accountability and instructional delivery.
The Commissioner who was represented by the Director Basic and Secondary Education Mr. Mathew Ere Salami cited digital classrooms, virtual staff meetings and electronic performance-tracking systems as practical ways schools could leverage technology to enhance efficiency and educational outcomes.
“Technology will not replace teachers, but teachers who use technology will replace those who do not,” he declared, underscoring the need for educators to continuously develop their digital skills to remain effective in a rapidly evolving educational environment.
The commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of the Kogi State Ministry of Education to supporting NAPPS through capacity-building initiatives in digital literacy, leadership development and school administration, in line with the Kogi State Education Law 2020.
He called on private school proprietors to translate the lessons of the celebration into practical actions by building cohesive teams, encouraging open communication and deploying technology to promote excellence in their respective institutions.
Jones also commended private school owners for their contributions to educational development in Kogi State, acknowledging their role in expanding access to education and complementing the efforts of government.
He wished participants a successful celebration and reaffirmed the importance of sustained collaboration between government and private education providers in advancing the state’s educational goals.
In his welcome address, the State Chairman, National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools pastor Ruben Jimoh commended the members of the association for the unity, cooperation and commitment that have strengthen the association and advanced the interest of Private education in the State.
He called on members to continue to build an association that speaks with one voice, protect the interest of the members, promote quality education and maintaining strong relationship with government and other stakeholders in education.
Pastor Ruben encouraged every proprietor of Private School in the State to be an active member of the Association by attending meetings, participate in NAPPS programs and prompt payment of levies and dues.
On safety and security, he called on members to be alive to the safety and security of their schools by maintaining proper security personnel and access control.
The NAPPS Day Celebration brought together stakeholders in the private education sector to reflect on strategies for strengthening school leadership, promoting collaboration and harnessing technology to improve educational delivery.
