Councillors from Oyam district sound alarm over gaps in school inspections

21 December 2024, 6:03 pm

By Editorial team

Councilors from Oyam district are raising concerns about a critical gap in school inspections, with reports indicating that some institutions have gone an entire term without official reviews.

The district, which oversees 109 primary schools and 11 secondary schools across the North and South constituencies, is facing growing worries about the potential impact of these delays on educational standards.

Hon. Beatrice Okello, the female District Councillor representing Ngai and Abok subcounty and the Secretary for Education and Sports, brought the issue to light during a recent district council session. She revealed that several schools in the district had not undergone any formal inspection throughout the term, sparking concerns among educators and councilors about the effectiveness of the district’s education system.

Several councilors voiced apprehensions that the lack of inspections could negatively affect teaching standards and the allocation of resources to schools in need. Many expressed fears that this situation could harm the district’s education department in the long run.

In response, District Chairperson Hon. Benson Walter Dila Oyuku assured the council of immediate action to address the issue. “Inspection is an essential part of maintaining quality education,” Oyuku said, agreeing with Okello’s call for reform. “We will ensure that all schools are inspected in the first term of 2025.”

Ms. Acol Janet, the District Senior Inspector of Schools, provided clarification, stating that while 105 out of 109 schools had been inspected, delays in submitting the reports to the district council were causing confusion.

“Inspection reports are only valid for four days,” she explained. “As a result, some reports expire before they can be submitted for review.”

The district is optimistic that with continued pressure and a clear plan for improvement, these challenges will be resolved, ensuring that Oyam’s schools receive the oversight they need.