Abia State Government will impose sanctions on schools that begin academic activities before the designated resumption date of 23rd September 2024.
Commissioner for Information Prince Okey Kanu, speaking after the executive council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti, regretted that some schools resumed sessions against government directives, which contradicts the administration's regulatory measures.
Prince Kanu emphasized that the Ministry of Education will investigate which schools resumed early and their reasons for doing so.
He also expressed concern that the Committee on School Land Recovery has found that private individuals, religious organizations, communities, and market associations are involved in these issues. He assured that the committee is fully dedicated to tackling the issue and will continue its efforts to resolve it effectively.
Earlier, the state government announced that schools in the state will resume for the 2024/2025 academic year on Wednesday, 23rd September 2024. The change was due to the public holiday on Monday, September 16, the original resumption date, and the extension of the state’s inaugural teachers’ training program from September 11 to 20, which will include the remaining 1,800 master trainers.
Additionally, Kanu cautioned against the deliberate destruction of public property and pointed out that a company responsible for damaging a newly built culvert on Ossah-Mission Hill Road has been apprehended. He emphasized the need for vigilance and accountability to prevent such acts of vandalism.
He advised that the state government is seizing the opportunity to urge communities, traditional rulers, and youths to take responsibility for all government properties in their areas.
“The state government is using this opportunity to call on communities, traditional rulers, youths to take ownership of all government properties within their communities”, he said.
The Commissioner also announced that Governor Dr. Alex Otti will host a delegation from the South East Council of Traditional Rulers on the 24th of this month.
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Mr. Kingsley Agomoh, GM of the Umuahia Capital Development Agency (UCDA), while responding to reporters revealed that more than 15 culverts have been damaged along the newly commissioned 6-lane Aguiyi Ironsi Boulevard. He emphasized that the government will no longer stand by while public facilities are destroyed.
