In furtherance of the continuity policy and the rebuilding
process in the education sector, Anambra State governor, Chief Willie
Obiano has taken practical steps to complete the renovation and
rebuilding of about 1,300 primary school classroom blocks in the next
one year. Already, governor Obiano has embarked on completing the
renovation and rebuilding of 520 Primary School classroom blocks before
the end of this year in the first phase arrangement to upgrade school
infrastructure across the State. In the same vein, the governor directed
the rehabilitation of Secondary schools and granted free education to
the physically challenged up to secondary schools.
Governor
Obiano announced this while inspecting ongoing building projects at
Ezi-Awka Community Primary School, Awka, Friday, the governor pointed
out that, after the first phase, the next phase of the project would
cover the remaining classroom blocks to bring the total number to 1,300.
He explained that in addition to rebuilding the school blocks, the
State government was also upgrading other school infrastructure and
providing instructional materials.
According to governor Obiano
“my administration is committed to promoting the welfare of pupils,
students and teachers, in this regard I want to reassure you that
teachers’ salary would be increased immediately the State’s
internally-generated revenue improves.” The governor also enjoined
pupils of the School and students of Ezi-Awka Community Secondary
School, Awka, governor Obiano to study hard to attain their full
potentials, stressing that education is a strong enabler of his
development policies.
In their separate remarks, two of the
students, Blessing Omori and Tochukwu Nwayotalu appealed for
government’s intervention on erosion threatening the School as well as
provide source of regular water supply to the School.
At UNICEF
Experimental Primary School, Ufuma, governor Obiano directed ASUBEB to
provide source of regularly water supply to primary schools to enhance
hygiene and sanitation. The governor who expressed satisfaction with the
quality of work on the projects said functional primary school
education was fundamental nurturing and molding children.
Meanwhile,
governor Obiano has said that the State government would soon commence
another phase of intervention in rebuilding dilapidated secondary school
structures across the State. Governor Obiano stated this while
inspecting building projects in some secondary schools said the visit
was to ascertain how the funds released by his predecessor for school
project were judiciously utilized. He said that his administration
targets at rebuilding and renovating remaining collapsed buildings in
secondary schools to provide conducive learning environment for
students.
At Girls High School, Agulu, he announced that
government has started building perimeter fencing in 21 Girls Boarding
schools and would extend the project to all the boarding schools in the
State as part of measures to further strengthen security in schools and
effective control of students and inculcation of discipline. The
governor added that the Schools would be provided with functional
laboratories and libraries to encourage qualitative education. He also
expressed satisfaction with the quality of work delivered with the N30
million given to the school by the previous administration, assuring
that more support would follow soon.
The member representing
Anaocha in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Ebele Ejiofor thanked
governor Obiano for ensuring continuity in transforming schools in the
State.
At Community Secondary School, Oko, governor Obiano noted
that the school used the N10 million financial support to build two new
blocks of five classrooms. He promised that work would soon commence on
another dilapidated building in continuation of the rebuilding process
while government would also assist in landscaping and grassing of the
school premises. Governor Obiano explained that the various programmes
were aimed at encouraging students to maintain excellence in their
performance, noting that for three years running, students from Anambra
State have remained best in all external examinations.
In another
development, governor Obiano announced free education for
physically-challenged persons from primary to post-primary education.
Governor Obiano made the announcement during an inspection visit to
Basden Memorial School, Isulo, Orumba South Local Government Area said
the free education policy takes immediate effect. According to Obiano,
“the welfare of persons with special needs would remain top priority
throughout the lifespan of my administration.”
The governor said
two more schools for the physically-challenged persons would be built in
Anambra Central and Anambra North Senatorial Districts respectively to
bring the total number to three to accommodate more pupils and students
with special needs. He also explained that the schools will be equipped
with necessary amenities and facilities that would enhance teaching and
learning including solar light system, water, electric fan in
dormitories and classrooms as well as instructional materials.
In
his reaction, Chairman of Orumba South Local Government Area, Mr. John
Onyeakpa thanked the governor for the visit, stressing that he has
continued to carry everybody along and give all segments of the society a
sense of belonging.
Mr. Onyeakpa noted that within a short time
in office, the governor has enthroned focused and people-oriented
administration, assuring him of total support of the people of the area.
