BY Okey Alozie
Commissioner for Education Prof. B.T.O Ikegwuruoha has declared that any school that did not obey the COVID-19 protocols must be close down.
He made this declaration on Wednesday morning, when he visited schools in Imo state to monitor WAEC class resumption.
The commissioner regretted why teachers should refuse to put on face mask and observe COVID-19 protocols as directed by federal government.
He lambasted the principal of Emmanuel College, City secondary school and Ikeneagbu secondary School all in Owerri Municipal for not living up to expectation.
He however praised the principals of Government College Owerri and Imo Girls Secondary School Owerri adding that the two principals are the best in terms of cleanliness and observing COVID-19 protocols as directed. Commissioner gave kudos to their Parents Teachers Association.
The commissioner said he is changing the face of Imo Education system. Boasted that he must surely shame his detractors by his good works, adding that he will reward good work and punish those teachers and principal’s that disobeyed.
He announced the suspension of a teacher at Emmanuel College Owerri for her misconduct and failing to put face mask in school. He further ordered that query should be given to teachers who were absent from school.
He raised eyebrows on private schools for not presenting their renewal and revalidation certificate. Based on that, he threatened to close down Baptist College School and other Private school that refused to obey government directive on revalidation of schools.
He maintained that the reopening of schools is for WAEC Exit class and not the internal classes.
At Akwakwuma Girls Secondary School, the commissioner was impressed as he visited the place. He commended the Principal for doing the right things “we are more concerned for SS3 students because they are going to take External Examination as from Monday, We shall reopen for JSS3 shortly after the senior WAEC Exams”, Commissioner stated.
Our reporter observed that schools were properly fumigated before resuming, moreover teachers were properly trained in advance ahead of school reopening. Government also made provision for water buckets, sanitizers, sick bay and thermometers.
The Commissioner insisted that the check on schools must continue.
Beside Nworie River, Good Shepherd nursery and primary school sealed by government was discovered to have resumed again without permission from Ministry of Education. Other schools visited includes Holy Ghost College Owerri, Owerri girls etc.
