Dear Editor,

I am deeply disheartened by how the education system continues to fail our students by consistently penalising them for circumstances tied to their upbringing.

On the first day of school reports surfaced that a number of students were banned from Calabar High School for failing to follow the school’s dress code policy. While I understand that such rules are intended to instil professionalism and prepare students for the world of work, I believe this approach is ineffective, especially when the consequence is to exclude students.

This raises a critical question: What is the true role of teachers and schools in socialisation and education of the youth entrusted in their care? If banning students is the primary solution to dress code infractions, are we truly teaching them? Are we fulfilling our mandate to guide and nurture each child who walks through the school gates?

Meanwhile, we are faced with a national crisis as too many of our students are struggling with literacy and show minimal improvements in numeracy. Shouldn’t schools and the Ministry of Education collaborate on creative, student-centred solutions rather than resorting to exclusion? For example, instead of sending a boy home for uncut hair, why not have a barber on campus?

Instead of suspensions, why not introduce rehabilitative measures like community service? Why not create initiatives that teach boys and girls proper hair care rather than enforcing rígid rules.

Too often we are quick to ostracise and condemn students who may not understand what professionalism means because they were not taught that at home. The blame cannot solely rest on parents, however. Teachers and schools also have a duty to mould students into the best versions of themselves, not push them out or punish them into submissions.

Kay-Lee Smith

The Mico University College

kellyismith215@gmail.com