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Abia State Governor, Alex Otti
The Abia State Government has said it may sanction the proprietors of schools that resumed academic activities earlier than the September 23, 2024, resumption date.
The Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, stated this while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting, presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
He expressed regret that some schools resumed the session contrary to the government’s directive, which stipulates that schools should open on September 23 for the 2024/2025 academic session.
He stated that this action contravenes the strong regulatory measures being implemented by Governor Otti’s administration in the education sector.
Kanu maintained that the Ministry of Education would conduct investigations to identify the schools that violated the directive regarding the resumption date for the new academic year.
He said, “Some schools went ahead and resumed yesterday against the directive given by the Ministry of Education.
“As the government is reforming the education sector, it is necessary to ensure that a strong regulatory environment is established to oversee the sector.
“Principals who disregarded the directive and reopened schools early may face sanctions.”
Kanu also disclosed that the committee on the recovery of school lands has observed that, apart from private individuals, religious organisations, communities, and market associations have also illegally taken over public lands.
He added that the committee remains committed to recovering all such encumbered parcels of land.
The commissioner further announced that the government would no longer tolerate the malicious destruction of public property, noting that the management of a company responsible for damaging manholes along Aguiyi Ironsi Boulevard has been arrested.
He stated, “The state government is using this opportunity to call on communities, traditional rulers, and youths to take ownership of all government properties within their areas.
“The government cannot spend billions of naira to ensure that essential infrastructure is in place for the comfort and convenience of the citizenry while unscrupulous individuals destroy these properties.”
He expressed regret that such acts undermine the government’s efforts to turn Umuahia and Aba into smart cities.
He appealed to traditional rulers and youth leaders to take responsibility for facilities established in their communities by the state government.
