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The West African Examination Council (WAEC) has blacklisted a number of secondary schools in Abia State for their involvement in examination malpractice. The state’s Commissioner for Education, Professor Uche Eme Uche, made the announcement during a press briefing in Umuahia.
While Professor Uche declined to name the specific schools, she revealed that most were private institutions. The Commissioner condemned all actions that could damage the state’s image and announced the withdrawal of operational licenses for the affected schools to deter future malpractice.
She expressed support for WAEC’s actions, highlighting their importance in maintaining academic integrity and preventing the erosion of educational standards. Professor Uche also mentioned previous closures of some affected schools due to similar practices, expressing disappointment at their continued disregard for regulations.
In a separate announcement, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, revealed Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s approval for the immediate renovation of 170 primary and 51 public secondary schools across Abia. This initiative aims to improve the learning environment by providing a facelift to public schools and making them more conducive and attractive for students.
The renovation project will prioritize 10 primary and three secondary schools from each of Abia’s 17 Local Government Areas. This initiative complements the ongoing construction of six model schools across the state’s three senatorial districts.
Furthermore, Prince Kanu announced the disbursement of N62 million in bursaries to Abia law students in various universities nationwide. This financial aid aims to alleviate the burden of increased fees and living expenses amid economic challenges.
Professor Uche elaborated on the school renovations, stating that each benefiting school would receive staff quarters, a dedicated house for the Head teacher, and a caretaker’s residence to enhance security. These measures demonstrate the Otti-led administration’s commitment to education, recognizing its critical role in society’s development.
The state government has vowed to revive and promote education in Abia. The school renovations will be implemented in phases until all public schools receive a facelift.
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