The National Parents Teachers Association of Nigeria has called for a collaboration between academic unions in tertiary institutions and the Federal Government to improve the nation’s quality of education in 2024.

It also described the insecurity being witnessed in parts of the country as a major challenge affecting the sector.

The Deputy National President, NAPTAN, Adeolu Ogunbanjo, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday.

He was giving his assessment of the sector in the outgoing year and expectations for 2024.

Ogunbanjo said the education sector in the outgoing year had done well, but there was room for improvement.

He said that could be achieved if the unions and government could work together.

“The entire idea and focus of both the academic unions and government should be to see our education sector progress to the next level, against the unnecessary rancour.

“Agitation for a salary increase, wages, allowances are good, but at the same time, strike is not the way, because it is at the detriment of the students, however, you look at it.

“The University ASUU strike, IPPIS and all these casual distractions should not repeat themselves next year! stakeholders must play their part and play it well,” he added.

The NAPTAN Deputy National President identified insecurity as a major challenge affecting the sector.

He said it was an area that the military and security agents must prioritise in 2024.

“Another thing threatening education is the issue of security; it’s a serious problem and a challenge that requires adequate attention in the coming year.

“The military and security agents must, as a matter of fact, approach this issue, with stern measures to stop kidnapping in our schools to restore the confidence of both students and parents,” Ogunbanjo said.

Speaking on the Students Loan Bill, Ogunbanjo said that Nigerians were full of expectations as the implementation was to take effect in 2024.

END.