From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
The Abia State government said it has shut down 197 private schools in various parts of the state for operating below required mimimum standard.
Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Okey Kanu who disclosed this while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s Executive Council meeting, said closure of the schools was in line with the determination of the government to reform the education sector.
Kanu informed that about 900 schools have so far been inspected in the ongoing school inspection exercise.
“The inspection of schools is ongoing and as at the last count, about 900 schools have been inspected. A few of the schools are not so lucky, they failed the test of the required standards and they were shut down.”
He stated that government has directed the staff of ASUBEB to relocate from their present office, explaining that as a proactive government, staff of ASUBEB were evacuated from the building because its integrity and structure was suspicious.
He added that government was doing everything possible to provide a permanent solution to the structure.
Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu in response to a question on the recent appointment of Transition Committee Chairmen by Gov Alex Otti, said those appointed are men of honour and integrity who are capable of managing the various LGAs in the State.
“What Dr. Alex Otti wants to do with the. Local Government administration is unprecedented in the history of this State. And for the first time, our people would witness massive development in every Local Government”
He disclosed that the list of the T. C councillors would soon be announced, adding that their tenure would last in line with the instant law.