The Abia State Government has announced new measures to secure public schools and strengthen the education system across the state. In a press briefing at the Government House, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, revealed plans to deploy security personnel to public schools, ensuring the safety of students, teachers, and school property.
This decision is part of a larger reform agenda aimed at overhauling Abia's education sector. According to Prince Kanu, the deployment of security personnel fulfills a previous promise by the government and underscores its commitment to safeguarding the educational environment. He noted that securing lives and property within schools is a key step toward creating a conducive atmosphere for learning.
In addition to enhancing security, the state government is also investing in teacher training. Prince Kanu announced that 2,000 master trainers are being trained to improve the quality of teaching in Abia’s schools. Of these, 200 teachers have already completed their training, with 1,800 more slated to begin soon.
Schools in the state are scheduled to reopen on September 16, 2024, and preparations are well underway. The Abia State Basic Education Board (ASUBEB) has shortlisted 40 teachers for the Abia State School Enhancement Team Program, a quality assurance initiative designed to maintain high educational standards. The selected teachers will receive specialized training to ensure they are equipped to meet the government’s educational objectives.
As part of efforts to motivate educators, the state government has earmarked 5,746 ASUBEB staff for promotion. This move aims to boost productivity and encourage greater commitment to the state's educational goals. The promotion of staff, combined with the newly introduced School Enhancement Team, demonstrates the government's focus on ensuring that both teachers and administrators are well-prepared for the upcoming academic year.
The School Enhancement Team will act as the government's eyes in schools, ensuring compliance with educational guidelines and fostering an environment that promotes academic excellence.
Beyond education, the Abia government is also making strides in healthcare. Prince Kanu revealed that a newly upgraded eye center, part of the Abia Specialist Hospital at Amachara, will soon be commissioned. This facility will provide eye care services to residents, further showcasing the government’s commitment to improving healthcare in the state.
In another significant move, the government plans to merge the state’s eight Schools of Nursing into a unified College of Nursing Sciences. This merger will enhance the qualification and training of nurses, with one school serving as the main campus for the new college.
To further improve school safety, Dr. Kenechukwu Nwosu, Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, disclosed that the government is conducting security needs assessments across all schools. In addition to the deployment of security personnel, fencing is being considered to protect school premises from vandalism. The Abia Vigilante Services (AVS) will be deployed to schools, with an initial focus on Umuahia before expanding to Aba and other regions.
Lady Lydia Onuoha, Chairman of ASUBEB, emphasized that the government has carefully selected participants for the upcoming teacher training programs. These training centers have been divided into five zones, with representatives from all 17 local government areas in the state.
The government’s multi-faceted approach—ranging from enhancing school security to improving teacher training and promoting staff—signals a new chapter for Abia’s education sector. The initiatives aim to create a safer and more productive learning environment, setting the stage for long-term growth and development in the state.