Abia govt to review, re-accredit private schools — Commissioner

The Abia State Government has veiled that there will be a thorough review and re-accreditation of private schools in the state to ensure they meet requirements.

This is intended to reposition the education sector in the state, according to Commissioner for Education Professor Uche Eme Uche.

When the leadership of the Abia State chapters of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), and Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria (APSHON) met in her office, the Commissioner disclosed the information.

In a statement, Ugochi Ihediwa, the director of information for the Ministry of Education, said that the measure was not taken to “witch-hunt” anyone, but rather was required by the urgent need to upgrade.

The Commissioner also made a hint that the government would soon begin a program called “Reclaim Our Schools Initiative,” under which all renovated public schools would be turned over to their host communities for secure management.

Prof.Uche reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance policy for the proliferation of subpar schools in the state after claiming that the Governor Alex Otti-led administration was ready to restore the lost glory of education in the state.

She claimed that the governor was committed to renovating the state’s crumbling public schools and supporting the ongoing training and retraining of teachers.

The head of education added that “henceforth, the welfare of teachers will be prioritized” after reiterating the government’s willingness to guarantee that Abia children receive a functional education in a supportive environment.

Mr. Ahamefula Nwabueze, Chairman of APSHON, Chief Matthew Uzuegbu, Chairman of ANCOPSS and Pastor Joseph Okowu, Chairman of NAPPS all expressed support for the sector’s proposed change in separate responses

The stakeholders pledged their allegiance to the Otti-led administration and urged for adequate investment in the education sector, which they claimed was essential for the advancement of any society.

They repeatedly emphasized the well-being of the educators, content that increased motivation would result in higher productivity.