The Abia State Government has stated that it may sanction school proprietors who resumed academic activities before the September 23, 2024, resumption date.
The Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, revealed this while briefing journalists on the conclusion of this week’s State Executive Council meeting, which was presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
He expressed sadness that some schools resumed the session despite the government’s instruction, which states that schools should open on September 23 for the 2024/2025 academic session.
He stated that this move violates the strict regulatory procedures set by Governor Otti’s administration in the education sector.
Kanu stated that the Ministry of Education would conduct investigations to identify which schools violated the directive regarding the resumption date for the new academic year.
He said, “Some schools went ahead and resumed yesterday against the directive given by the Ministry of Education.
“As the government is reforming the education sector, it is necessary to ensure that a strong regulatory environment is established to oversee the sector.
“Principals who disregarded the directive and reopened schools early may face sanctions.”
Kanu also disclosed that the committee on the recovery of school lands has observed that, apart from private individuals, religious organisations, communities, and market associations have also illegally taken over public lands.
He added that the committee remains committed to recovering all such encumbered parcels of land.
The commissioner further announced that the government would no longer tolerate the malicious destruction of public property, noting that the management of a company responsible for damaging manholes along Aguiyi Ironsi Boulevard has been arrested.
He stated, “The state government is using this opportunity to call on communities, traditional rulers, and youths to take ownership of all government properties within their areas.
“The government cannot spend billions of naira to ensure that essential infrastructure is in place for the comfort and convenience of the citizenry while unscrupulous individuals destroy these properties.”
He remarked that such actions undermined the government’s attempts to transform Umuahia and Aba into smart cities.
He urged traditional rulers and youth leaders to accept responsibility for for facilities established in their communities by the state government.