By Samuel Ogenyi, Uyo
Proprietors of private schools in Akwa Ibom State under the aegis of National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, said they are ready for re-opening of schools, describing the guidelines released by the state government as realistic.
The Akwa Ibom State Chairman of NAPPS, Mr. Ime Davies Udofia who spoke with journalists in Uyo today stated that some of the guidelines given by the government have already been put in place by private schools Proprietors, assuring that they are ready to abide by the directive.
Udofia who was reacting to a publication in one of the National Dailies with the caption “Akwa Ibom State Schools Re-opening Guidelines Unrealistic…Proprietors”, explained that he was misquoted by the reporter of the said publication.
“I was misquoted by some people. In a stakeholders meeting we had recently, the Honorable Commissioner of Education rolled out guidelines which are okay for proprietors of schools in Akwa Ibom State and we are ready to abide by it. Before now, some of the guidelines given by government have already been put in place by the proprietors.” He stated.
The Chairman further hinted that a committee to handle covid-19 awareness and prevention tips as well as decontamination of all the private schools has been constituted. “We have also set-up another committee to look into the welfare of our teachers so as to reduce the sufferings and hardship faced by them as a result of the coronavirus pandemic”, said NAPPS Chairman.
Udofia used the occasion to commend the Commissioner of Education, Prof. Nse Essien for always carrying proprietors of Private Schools in the state along and appreciated the State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel on steps so far taken to prevent the spread of covid-19 in the state.
The NAPPS Chairman also appreciated Governor Emmanuel for granting the proprietors tax relief.
He showered praises on the National President of NAPPS, Otunba Yomi Otubola for his pragmatic approach in handling the covid-19 issues, especially for liaising with the federal government to secure sector oriented palliatives including moratorium on current loans, financial grant, support for workers’ wages among others and pledged their continuous support to his leadership.
The NAPPS Chairman however regretted any damage or inconvenience the publication might have caused the government and the public.
