Lecturer Urges Parents, Teachers To Protect Children From Drugs

A lecturer at the Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic (ATAP), Bauchi, Dr Bashir Ahmad Maidawa, has called on parents, teachers and the society to work together to protect children from drug abuse, violence and other negative influences threatening their development.

Maidawa made the call on Saturday while delivering a keynote address at the 4th Speech and Prize Giving Day of Success International School, Wuntin Dada, Bauchi.

Speaking on the theme, “The Role of Teachers, Parents, and Society Towards Child Upbringing,” the lecturer identified excessive use of mobile phones and social media, drug abuse, peer pressure, poor parental supervision, indiscipline and economic hardship as some of the major challenges confronting children in contemporary society.

He stressed the need for parents to strengthen their supervision of children while promoting moral and religious values at home.

According to him, parents remain the first teachers of every child and have a critical role to play in shaping their character and future.

“Every child is a gift from God and the hope of every family and nation. Parents must provide love, care and protection, and teach honesty, respect and discipline. Children learn more from what they see than what they are told,” he said.

Maidawa recommended regular Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) meetings, dedicated parent-child interaction, committed teaching and stronger support from the society to schools as measures to improve child upbringing.

He also urged parents and teachers to encourage children to cultivate the habit of reading, respect for elders and hard work.

“The responsibility belongs to all of us. Parents lay the foundation, teachers build on it, and society provides the environment.

“When we work together, children become responsible, disciplined and patriotic citizens,” he stated. The lecturer described teachers as “second parents”, saying their responsibilities extend beyond classroom instruction.

He urged teachers to prepare their lessons properly, treat students fairly, identify and nurture their talents, and inspire them to succeed in life rather than merely preparing them for examinations.