The decontamination of schools in Abia state will begin on August 4 as part of the government’s efforts to make the facilities safe for learning and teaching.
Abia Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu revealed on Monday during a meeting with education officials at International Conference Centre (ICC) in Umuahia.
The governor, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr Anthony Agbazuere, said that the state government was passionate about advancing education in Abia.
Ikpeazu said that the state government expects the schools in the state to obey the safety protocols reeled out for the reopening of schools.
He said that the education secretaries would be held responsible, if any school breaks the rules, adding that Abia government was committed to preparing schools for effective teaching and learning.
“The head teachers and teachers must be present for the decontamination exercise and a there will be roll call to that effect.
“Every person given a responsibility is expected to take it serious. All political appointees must take note of activities that will take place in schools from tomorrow and report their findings.
“The TC chairmen of local government councils should monitor the activities of appointees and report back. This is to ensure the success of the decontamination exercise and schools reopening,” Ikpeazu said.
In his speech, Dr Kanelechi Nwangwa, the Commissioner of Education, urged Area and Zonal Inspectors of Education to monitor exercise as well as discharge their duties without fear or favour.
“Please when you go on the monitoring exercise don’t compromise, because the health of the Abia child is very important,” Nwangwa said.
He said that the state government was committed to ensuring that Abia would record a successful reopening of schools and operation of schools in a safe environment.
In his remark, Dr Joe Osuji, the Commissioner of Health, said that resources had been put in place to conduct COVID-19 tests on academic and nonacademic staff that would resume duty as schools reopen.
Osuji said that health officials would be sent to monitor schools examination to ensure that the COVID-19 safety protocols were strictly adhered to.
He added that the ministry would deploy health officials that would visit schools to ensure that every school had a sick bay that was adequately equipped.
Responding on behalf of Transition Committee (TC) Chairmen, Chief Osita Igbe, the TC Chairman of Isiukwuato local government council, commended Abia government for taking proactive steps towards prevent further spread of COVID-19.
Igbe pledged that the TC Chairmen in the 17 local government councils would utilise the resources at their disposal to make the exercise a success.
Responding on behalf of Education Secretaries, Mr Iheanacho Ujoh, the Education Secretary of Ohafia local government council, commended the state government for its efforts to prevent further spread of COVID-19.
“We would work tirelessly to complement the state government’s policies and programs for the advancement of education in Abia,” Ujoh added.
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