A special committee has been established by the Abia State government to reclaim 180 “encumbered public schools” within the state. Leading the committee is the Chief of Staff to the governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, with the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Eme Uche, serving as the secretary.
Speaking after the State Executive Council meeting on Monday, Commissioner for Information and Culture, Okey Kanu, highlighted the importance of identifying and recovering these schools. Approximately 180 schools are affected across the state.
As the government focuses on reforming the education sector, it is determined to address issues of land acquisition by individuals for personal gain, emphasizing the need to preserve the integrity of educational institutions.
The misuse of schools handed over to different organizations has been condemned, with a call for these facilities to be utilized solely for educational purposes. Organizations unable to fulfill this mandate are advised to return the schools to the government.
A comprehensive assessment of the educational system in the state has led to plans for a capacity-building program for 12,000 public school teachers during the summer. Additionally, efforts are underway to enhance infrastructure at the Federal College of Education, Ofeme, in Umuahia North Local Government Area.
The state’s “Light-Up Abia Initiative” continues to progress, with a focus on rural electrification in all three senatorial zones. Over 2,500 solar-powered light panels have already been installed in key areas across the state.
Future initiatives include reviving electrification projects in rural communities, with the distribution of 50 transformers to selected areas. The Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Ikechukwu Monday, shared details about a water project financed by USAID that aims to revamp two water schemes benefitting 640 homes.