Private schools to implement HIV/AIDS curriculum in Lagos State

The Lagos State government has urged private secondary schools to implement the Family Life HIV/AIDS Education (FLHE) Curriculum.

At  a  meeting with proprietors and teachers in private secondary schools held at the Action Health Incorporated, Yaba, Lagos, Permanent Secretary in the State Ministry of Education, Mrs Omolara Erogbogbo said the prevalence of HIV/AIDS among youth called for collaboration to tackle the scourge.

Quoting statistics from the 2010 National HIV Zero prevalence sentinel survey, she said the prevalent rate among youth aged 15-24 was 4.2 per cent.

She said the government's effort at addressing the epidemic through curriculum implementation has been worthwhile in junior secondary schools.

 In addition to Social Studies and Basic Science, which contain the FLHE curriculum, the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) recently extended its infusion into seven other subjects,” she added.

Mrs Erogbogbo hoped that the coming on board of private schools would ensure effective implementation of the curriculum and also foster improved cordial relationship between  teachers  and government.

She added: “Furthermore, this meeting will enable us understand issues of HIV/AIDS and the need for the promotion and provision of enabling environment for FLHE implementations in our schools.”

Chief Executive Director of Action Health Incorporated, Nike Esiet, a facilitator at the programme, engaged the participants on methods of identifying, analysing and counselling the pupils on Family Life HIV/AIDS. 

Chief Education Officer at the Ministry, Mr  Lamidi Abiodun said the meeting was to acquaint private school heads with the right techniques to pass on the right messages to  youths, adding that peer educators and teachers will be trained in this regard.

D'Nation