Abia State Government Engages Consultants for Education Sector Reforms

The Abia State government has announced its engagement with world-class consultants to drive reforms in its education sector. The state Commissioner for Information and Culture, Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Tuesday during a press briefing on the outcome of the state’s Executive Council meeting.

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The meeting, presided over by the state governor, Alex Otti, also included high-level discussions with the Polish and Bulgarian governments. Both countries have expressed interest in the education sector in the state, aiming to use it as a driver for development.

Kanu further revealed that the state Ministry of Education is working diligently to ensure the relocation of pupils from closed private schools to enable them to continue their studies. Efforts are also underway to reopen the JAMB CBT centres that were closed in the state. Already, 10 of these centres, which were closed due to infractions, have been reopened. More centres are expected to be reopened early next year.

The commissioner also informed that the planting and retrofitting of model schools have commenced in the 17 local councils. The accreditation process for the Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH) has begun, with significant upgrades in facilities, new faculties, and an improved general environment.

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Regarding the Nursing Preliminary Training School (PTS) examination, the state government cancelled the examination a fortnight ago. The rescheduled examination, which was supposed to hold on Monday, was also cancelled by the Nursing Council of Nigeria due to student protests over infractions. The state Ministry of Health is now working with the Nursing Council to set another examination.

The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Uche Eme Uche, expressed appreciation for private investors who have filled the gap in education in the past. However, she noted that many things were wrong with the private schools that were shut down. “Places that were not even fit for poultry farms became schools,” she said. She emphasized that those who do not have business with schools should not be running schools.

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In addition, Kanu informed that the state Ministry of Health is partnering with the state Homeland Security to provide ambulance services throughout the 2023 yuletide season in the state. He also added that one side of the Ossah road in Umuahia and the Port Harcourt roads in Aba will be ready for use this Christmas season.