THE EDITOR, Sir:

I have no direct personal or emotional interest in Calabar High School as an institution, meaning that I have no son or other relative going there. I wonder, however, about the vigilance of its plant managers and what I imagine must be a galloping electricity bill.

I live in a nearby complex which allows me to see some parts of the property throughout the day and night. Often, way into the night, bright lights can be seen burning in classrooms on the top and lower floors, in which I doubt anyone would be studying that late. I once wondered whether there were extra classes being held that would explain these many lights burning so late. I don't know the answer.

However, one recent Saturday morning about 4:30, I got up early and just happened to glance over and could see lights burning in at least four classrooms.

no follow-up check

Perhaps there are some diligent students beating the books around the clock, but in four classrooms? I suspect that the last person to leave the rooms simply forgot to turn off the lights, and there is no follow-up check. Also, given how late the lights are on frequently, I doubt the explanation could be that janitors are at work.

This does not suggest good management. If there is a need for lights for security, I would imagine external illumination would be more useful than in the classrooms. But what do I know?

JOHN PUBLIC