Abia Govt declares zero tolerance for substandard schools

Abia State Commissioner for Education, Professor Uche Eme Uche has held a special meeting in Umuahia with critical stakeholders aimed at strengthening education in the state.

During the meeting which was attended by leaders of the Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigerian, All Nigerian Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools and National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, Abia State chapters, the Commissioner revealed the State government’s plans to launch the “Reclaim Our Schools” initiative.

According to the Commissioner, the days of existence of substandard schools in Abia are over as the new administration is out to maintain zero tolerance for the operation of sub-standard schools, even as she stated that dilapidated public schools across the state would be rehabilitated to provide Abia children with conducive learning environment.

Professor Eme Uche disclosed that rehabilitated public schools in the state would be handed over to the host communities of such schools, explaining that the measure would ensure effective management and security of the rehabilitated structures.

Prof. Eme Uche stressed that there will be a drastic review and re-accreditation of private schools in the state to meet the established standard and charged education stakeholders to heed the clarion call.

In their separate responses the Nation NAPPS Chairman, Joseph Okowu, his ANCOPSS counterpart, Matthew Uzuegbu and APSHON Chairman, Ahamefula Nwabueze expressed thanks to the Commissioner for the opportunity to interact with her.

They used the forum to point out some of their challenges including the current economic downturn in the country but pledged their support to the state government.