Abia Shuts Down 197 Private Schools Over Poor Standards

Abia State government has shut down 197 of the 900 private schools inspected for operating below minimum standard.

The commissioner for information and culture, Okey Kanu, disclosed this when he briefed newsmen on the outcome of this week’s executive council meeting in Umuahia, the state capital.

He said the closure was in line with the determination of the current administration in the state to reform the education sector, adding that the inspection is ongoing.

In furtherance of the ongoing road rehabilitation and reconstruction across the state, the spokesman said six roads were ready in Aba for inauguration by the governor, Dr Alex Otti.

“Similarly, the ministry of works has been directed to effect repairs on Fimbars Road and the deplorable axis along Ahiaeke – Lodu Ndume-Umuafai Road all in Umuahia,” he said.

Her counterpart of the ministry of health, Dr Ngozi Okoronkwo said over 8,000 residents of the state have obtained free medicare under the administration’s free medical service.

“In its bid to enhance the capacity of Cottage Hospital Abayi Aba, the administration is retrofitting the facility. And it would soon be reopened for public use as work is ongoing,” she added.

On the recent nomination of local government transition committee chairmen, the commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, Hon Uzor Nwachukwu said it is normal.

The nominees include Chief David Ogba, chairman/founder Bourdex Group Ltd; Ide John Udeagbala, chairman/CEO J. Udeagbala Holdings Nig Ltd; and AVM Chiwendu Onyike (rtd).

“What Otti wants to do is unprecedented in the history of this state. For the first time, our people would witness massive development in every local government,” he added.