THE Archbishop of Catholic Metropolitan See of Lagos, Cardinal Anthony Olubunmi Okogie, has blamed the National Assembly members for endorsing the closure of schools for voters’ registration.
Speaking at the weekend during the opening and blessing of Marywood Girls Grammar School and Convent, Ebute-Metta, Lagos, the cardinal described Nigerian leaders as self-centred and insensitive to the plight of students.

He said that the closure of schools might have been ordered because most of the nation’s leaders have their children schooling abroad, adding that the lawmakers were also collaborators who have clearly demonstrated disregard for education.
“The registration exercise they closed the schools for, how successful is it since they did not give proper orientation and training to those that would use the machines?” he asked. 

Okogie added that it has become necessary to return all schools taken over by the government to the missions because of the falling standard of education and the uncontrollable increase in moral decadence.

He said that mission schools were not only after quality education, but inculcating morals in the pupils.
The cardinal did not rule out the fact that there are some ‘mission schools’ today being established to make money, which can be seen in the quality of students they produce.

The cleric, however, added that genuine mission schools would not only impart sound education, but also ensure the teaching of morals, which are lacking in the country today.

Okogie said he recalled telling the former Governor of Lagos State, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, when he returned five schools about 10 years ago to the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, out of those that the military government took over, that there were others yet to be returned, including Marywood Secondary School.

“Like other schools taken over, at the time the return of Marywood was announced, the school was in bad condition to embark on normal academic activities.  The conditions there were simply appalling as the buildings were at various stages of disrepair while the entire premises were eyesore. I, therefore, call on the state government to join hands in carrying out other works that need to be completed in the school,” he said.

The refurbished Marywood Secondary School is made up of four structures and one of them called “Emmanuella,” is named after the wife of the Lagos State governor, Mrs. Emmanuella Abimbola Fashola, an alumna of the school.

But, does it really worth it, Closing down schools because of INEC registration,
Cant other locations be used for this indefinite exercise. , Oh! i know its gonna be extended, Meaning students' stay @ home will be prolonged.