By Linus Effiong, Umuahia
Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has called on all stakeholders in the education system to continue to show total commitment in advancing the cause of education in the State and ensure that processes of re-opening of schools as announced were seamless.
The Governor stated this during the flag off of the fumigation, decontamination and clearing of schools in the state prior to resumption of students in exit classes to take their final examinations, held at the International Conference Center, Umuahia.
He called on Transition Council Chairmen, Education Secretaries and other stakeholders in the education sector of the State to ensure that the reopening of public and private schools in the state tomorrow, 4th of August, 2020, is smoothly effected.
Governor Ikpeazu who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Anthony Agbazuere, directed all teachers handling exit classes to subject themselves to Covid-19 testing starting from tomorrow.
Speaking further, he disclosed that deconttamination and fumigation of schools will also begin tomorrow and informed that the State government has provided hand-sanitizers, digital thermometers and face masks for the school children.
On the need for T. C Chairmen to monitor and report to government the progress of the dry run prior to resumption of academic activities on the 10th of August, 2020, the Governor directed that the exercise must not be handled with levity.
In their separate speeches, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Kanaelechi Nwangwa and his Health counterpart, Dr. Joe Osuji, assured that government would mobilize all necessary resources to ensure that all schools comply with the protocols put in place for the re-opening of schools.
They disclosed that relevant materials have been distributed among Zonal and Area Inspectorates of Education in the State and called on all to cooperate with the Ikpeazu led administration in ensuring that-the schools are safe for both children and teachers who are resuming school.
Also speaking, the Transition Council Chairman of Isuikwuato LGA, Dr. Osita Igbei, expressed appreciation to the Governor for his pro-activeness in convening the meeting and putting in place necessary protocols to protect school children. He assured that the Chairmen would put the materials provided into judicious use and ensure that the needful is done as well as monitor activities in all the schools.
On behalf of the Education Secretaries, the Education Secretary, Ugwunagbo, Mr. Ujo Iheanacho, thanked the Governor for all his efforts in ensuring that Abia is free from Covid-19 disease and pledged that they would work assiduously to ensure the best outcome.
The event which featured display and review of fumigation equipment by interested private companies in the State who are to participate in the schools fumigation exercise attracted the presence of Commissioners for Loval Government & Chieftaincy Affairs, Sir Gabriel Onyendioefu and his Information counterpart, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, also had in attendance all the LGA Transition Council Chairmen, Education Secretaries, Environmental Health Officers and other stakeholders in the education and health sectors of the state.
