Parents of students at St. Francis Catholic Secondary School (SFCSS), Idimu, Lagos, have been assured that discussions are ongoing to address concerns surrounding the controversial Citizenship and Leadership Programme, popularly known as the Sea School.
This follows an extensive five-hour meeting between the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) executives and the school management, where key issues relating to the programme were deliberated.
In an update issued to parents of the Class of 2028, the PTA executives disclosed that the leadership training programme remains a compulsory requirement for all students, stressing that participation is tied to graduation eligibility.
According to the statement, “The Citizenship and Leadership Programme of SFCSS is a core and non-negotiable requirement. Any student who does not attend, complete, or receive a recommendation from the programme facilitators will not be cleared for graduation.”
The PTA urged parents to encourage their children to take the programme seriously, noting that it is considered an integral part of the school’s formation process.
The update revealed that the school had explored alternatives in response to mounting concerns from parents, including the possibility of hosting the programme within the school premises.
However, the plan was shelved after consultations with the Sea School camp commandant showed that the associated costs would be significantly higher if implemented on campus.
Two alternative locations, one in Jos offering a mountain experience and another in Ogun State with a forest-based programme, were also considered.
These options were reportedly rejected due to prevailing security concerns in the areas.
“As such, the Sea School option remains the most viable at this time,” the PTA stated.
Addressing safety concerns, the school management outlined several risk mitigation strategies already in place for the programme.
These include the deployment of two lifeguards on each boat trip, a reduced number of students per boat, and proper maintenance of all marine equipment by Sea School operators.
Additionally, hostel parents, school nurses, and staff members are assigned to remain at the training centre throughout the duration of the programme.
The statement further noted that medical tests are conducted for participating students to prevent health-related issues, while spiritual activities such as Mass and prayers are also incorporated.
The PTA acknowledged the financial burden the programme places on parents, stating that discussions are at an advanced stage with Sea School operators to secure a possible discount.
Parents who have already paid the full fees will be refunded or credited accordingly once negotiations are concluded.
“We were provided insights into some of the cost components, and discussions are presently at the final stage with the operators to grant SFCSS some discount,” the statement added.
The Sea School programme has recently caused debate among parents, particularly over its high cost and perceived safety risks associated with water-based training.
Despite these concerns, the school management maintains that the programme is essential to students’ leadership development and remains committed to ensuring both affordability and safety.
The PTA, while acknowledging parents’ grievances, called for patience and constructive engagement as efforts continue to resolve the issues.
“We remain patient, respectful and constructive with our words, actions and criticism, while continuing to engage the school to bring this matter to a close,” the statement concluded.
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