The Abia State government has initiated the deployment of security personnel to schools across the state in preparation for the new academic year, which begins on September 16. This move is part of a broader strategy to address the increasing concerns over school security and infrastructure vandalism.
The Commissioner for Information Okey Kanu, announced this development during a press briefing on Monday, following an Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti. Kanu emphasized that this initiative aims to protect the lives and property of students, teachers, and school facilities.
“The posting of security personnel to schools is a significant step towards securing our educational institutions,” Kanu stated. “This measure is part of our ongoing educational reform agenda and fulfills previous commitments made by the state government.”
The initial phase of this security enhancement will focus on schools in Umuahia, with plans to extend coverage to Aba and other areas of the state. This effort is designed to counteract the rising incidents of criminal activities and vandalism affecting schools nationwide.
In addition to the security upgrades, the Abia State government has announced a plan to train 2,000 master trainers to improve the quality of education. So far, 200 teachers have completed their training, with an additional 1,800 scheduled to receive training before the start of the new school year.
Kanu also revealed that the Abia State Basic Education Board (ASUBEB) has screened and selected 40 teachers for the Abia State School Enhancement Team Programme, a quality assurance initiative. He noted that a total of 5,746 ASUBEB staff are set to receive promotions as part of a motivational effort to boost productivity.
Furthermore, Kanu disclosed the inauguration of an upgraded eye centre, an annex of the Abia Specialist Hospital at Amachara, on Tuesday. He also mentioned the formation of a panel to oversee the merger of eight nursing schools in the state into a single College of Nursing Sciences, aimed at enhancing the training and qualification of nurses.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Education Kenechukwu Nwosu added that the state is conducting a security needs assessment for all schools and considering fencing them to further enhance security. He also noted that the Abia Vigilante Services would be deployed to schools as part of the first phase of this security initiative.
The Chairman of ASUBEB Lydia Onuoha also confirmed that the government has selected teachers for the training program and established five training centers across the state to accommodate participants from all 17 local government areas.
