The Abia State Government on Tuesday said it has enlisted the assistance of world-class experts and consultants to bolster efforts by the state Ministry of Education in advancing the reform agenda for the education sector.
The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Okey Kanu disclosed this while briefing Journalists on the outcome of this week’s Executive Council Meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
Kanu said the move aligns with the present administration’s commitment to revamp key sectors, particularly education, where a state of emergency was declared by Governor Otti on assumption of office.
He noted that the state governments dedication to the education sector is evident through it’s commitment to engage experts who would work closely with the Ministry of Education in driving reforms in the sector.
He said; ” Education is a sector that the Governor holds very dear in his heart. It is one of the sectors where a state of emergency was declared by the governor at the commencement of his government and we are working very hard to carry out reforms in that Sector.
“As part of the reformation initiative of the government in education, some World Class Experts and Consultants have been engaged by the state government and are partnering with the Ministry of Education to drive the reforms in the education sector.”
Kanu added that in line with repositioning the Education sector, the state government held a high level meeting with the Polish and Bulgarian
Ambassadors during the week where both governments expressed mutual interest in the education sector In Abia State.
Prince Kanu who further disclosed that retrofitting of model schools in the 17 LGAs of the state has commenced, said the education Ministry is working hard in line with the transformation vision envisaged by Governor Otti.
The Commissioner also revealed plans by government to transfer students from the private schools recently shut down to nearby government schools to enable them continue with their education while other issues regarding reopening are being worked out.
He disclosed that 10 JAMB CBT centres that were shut down have been reopened and added that more would equally be reopened in the coming year.
The Commissioner said that the State government has embarked on a total of 26 road projects with 6 being construction while the other 20 roads were for maintainance and rehabilitations.
Contributing,the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Uche Eme Uche, highlighted concerns about the conditions of the private schools shut down by government noting that the schools were unfit for education and lacked proper facilities.
She revealed alarming conditions such as lack of qualified teachers as well as adequate staff strength and emphasized the need for responsible school management.
Prof. Uche stressed that individuals without a background in education should not be left to operate schools.
