Abia State Ministry of Education Implements Rigorous Actions In Response To Tragedy at Emerald Schools
Abia State Ministry of Education Shuts Down Emerald Schools Following Tragic Incident
Mary Nwaeze 
The Abia State Ministry of Education, Umuahia, has taken decisive action against Emerald Schools, situated at Crystal Park Avenue, off Port Harcourt road in Aba South Local Government Area. The educational facility has been sealed, and its operational approval withdrawn, according to a statement released by the Commissioner for Education, Professor Uche-Eme-Uche, on Tuesday.
The ministry's action follows its recent findings, revealing that Emerald Schools were operating below the stipulated standards set for private schools in the state. Tragically, this substandard operation led to the untimely death of a pupil, as reported in the statement.
In response to this unfortunate incident, the ministry strongly advised parents and guardians with children or wards attending Emerald Schools to withdraw them without delay. The statement empathized with parents, acknowledging potential inconveniences, while asserting the ministry's unwavering commitment to upholding the welfare and safety of Abia's children as a top priority.
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The Commissioner for Education warned that any illegal attempt by individuals or groups to reopen the school would face the full wrath of the government, urging the public to abide by this directive.
In a proactive move to ensure the overall safety and adherence to educational standards, an inspection and evaluation team from the Ministry of Education in Umuahia commenced thorough inspections of private schools in the state on Tuesday. The objective is to ascertain their conformity to accepted educational standards and identify any potential risks.
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It is noteworthy that the tragic incident prompting this swift action occurred about two weeks ago when a 3-year-old pupil of Emerald Schools, Master David Jacob Etim, fell from the school's storey-building, resulting in his untimely demise. This information was confirmed by the Abia State Police Command.
The ministry's crackdown on non-compliant schools signals a commitment to maintaining high standards in the state's education system, emphasizing the paramount importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of students in educational institutions.
