Ondo Closes Schools For APC Assembly Primary Election

Ondo State government has ordered the temporary closure of selected public primary and secondary schools in the state ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Assembly primary election scheduled for today.

The state’s Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, said the affected schools would serve as polling centres for the exercise taking place in the 18 LGAs.

In a statement issued yesterday by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Dr Akindele Ige, said the government directed learners, teachers and other staff members in the affected schools to remain at home on the election day.

LEADERSHIP had reported that violence erupted during the just-concluded APC senatorial primary election in the state, as gunshots disrupted voting at Ebenezer African Church Primary School, Amudipe in Akure South LGA, forcing party members, voters and pupils to flee.

The ministry explained that the directive was part of measures aimed at ensuring the safety of lives and property, as well as guaranteeing a peaceful and orderly conduct of the electoral process within school premises.

‎The statement reads in part, “As part of safety and security measures, all learners, teachers, and other staff in the affected schools are hereby directed to stay at home on the election day.

‎”This directive is issued to ensure the safety of lives and property and to facilitate the peaceful, secure, and orderly conduct of the electoral process within school environments.

‎”Furthermore, the heads of all affected schools will be contacted directly via telephone to ensure strict compliance with the closure directive and to reinforce effective enforcement at the school level, in addition to this official press release.”

‎The ministry, however, assured parents and candidates participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC-SSCE) that adequate arrangements had been made to ensure the examinations continue without disruption in the affected schools.

‎The government stressed that the closure applies only to schools designated as polling centres, noting that schools not designated as polling centres would continue normal academic activities. In contrast, those affected would resume academic activities on Thursday.