Gov. Umahi Asks Schools In Ebonyi To Reopen, Gives Conditions

Governor David Nweze Umahi of Ebonyi State has finally declared that schools in the State will resume on 5th October, 2020 after months of shutdown due to the ravaging COVID-19 Pandemic.

In a statement made available to our correspondent on Thursday by the Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr. Francis Nwaze said during the Exco meeting of 17th September, 2020, a memo from the Honourable Commissioner for Education on the resumption of schools in the state was considered .

He noted the Exco members approved that all schools, primary, secondary and tertiary, will be resuming on Monday, 5th October 2020.

According to the statement, the Exco members also approved the staggering of classes in two sessions (morning 8 am- 12 pm and Afternoon 12:15 – 4.15 pm) in order to maintain social distancing. First four weeks will be used to end the 2020 academic session while other weeks will be used to commence the 2021 academic session.”

“Exco rescinded decision on the resumption of nursery and kindergarten citing the inability of self-control of the kindergarten kids.”

“In a related development, King David Int’l School will also resume this October 5. The committee for its reopening is chaired by the Senior Special Adviser on Religion and Welfare Matters, Rev Fr Dr Abraham Nwali and the secretary is Adaeze Nwaji, while Secretary to State Government, Dr Kenneth Ugballa and Commissioner for Education are members.”

“The Executive Council also assigned the new portfolios as follows, Hon. Sunday Ogodo, Special Assistant on Schools Monitoring in Ezza South, Hon Ogbonnaya Chukwude, Ivo While Hon. Ogbonnaya Oko Enyim is to relocate to Afikpo North immediately. The newly assigned SAs are to monitor all schools in their respective Local Government Areas.”

“Council also redeployed the Deputy Principal Secretary, Hon Emmanuel Obasi to monitor schools and ensure compliance of staff of Development Centres in Ohaozara Council Area while in Ikwo should be done by Hon. Okechukwu Nwakpu.”

“Following the report of the demolition of structures, Exco has directed immediate suspension of the demolition of structures exercise in Abakpa Market and Ekulumiri street, pending when the elders’ council will embark on inspections of the said locations to ascertain the true situation.”