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Abia State Governor Alex Otti has launched a comprehensive initiative to recover 180 public schools that have been hijacked or compromised by external interests.
On Monday, Information Commissioner Okey Kanu addressed journalists at the Government House in Umuahia, sharing the results of the State Executive Council’s weekly gathering. He provided a detailed briefing, ensuring the press was up-to-date on the latest developments.
The committee’s leadership team was revealed, with Chief of Staff Caleb Ajagba appointed as chairman and Education Commissioner Eme Uche-Eme named as secretary. This dynamic duo will spearhead the efforts to recover the alienated public schools.
Joining the committee are two additional members: Ikechukwu Uwana, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, who will provide legal guidance, and Chaka Chukwumerije, the Commissioner for Lands and Housing, who will offer expertise on land and property issues.
The committee’s membership is strengthened by the participation of Uzo Nwachukwu, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, who will ensure a deep understanding of local governance, and Kingsley Agomuoh, General Manager of UCDA, who will provide valuable insights into urban development and planning.
The committee will also include the general manager of Greater Aba Development Agency (GADA), Uche Ukeje, and the chief security officer to the governor, Ken Nwosu.
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Mr Kanu said the committee’s terms of reference include identifying and recovering about 180 alienated and encumbered schools in the state.
‘As the government moves ahead with the education sector reforms, it will not tolerate the greed of a privileged few who have, over the period, surreptitiously acquired lands that belonged to schools.
‘The state government has equally condemned the misuse and misapplication of schools that have been handed over to the missions and different organisations. The state government insists that such schools must be used exclusively for educational activities,’ he said.
According to Mr. Kanu, the government has urged organizations that are struggling to manage the schools effectively to voluntarily return them to state control, paving the way for improved educational outcomes.
He revealed that a comprehensive diagnostic assessment of Abia’s educational sector has just been concluded, providing a thorough understanding of the sector’s strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.
The consultants tasked with supporting the Education Commissioner in the development of school curricula have completed their work, Commissioner Kanu reported.
‘Our 12,000 teachers across the state will undergo massive training during this summer break to prepare them for the emerging new look schools that we shall have as from September 2024,’ Mr Kanu said.
