The Edo State Government has postponed the resumption of both private and public schools across the state, citing the recent hike in fuel prices and rising security concerns as reasons for the delay. The decision is aimed at safeguarding children from the harsh effects of the current economic situation and potential security threats.
Originally, schools were scheduled to reopen on Monday, September 9, 2024, but the state government announced a postponement, pushing the resumption date indefinitely. This move was met with criticism from the opposition, particularly the All Progressives Congress (APC), which labeled the postponement as politically motivated.
As reported by Punch, Edo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, explained in a statement on Tuesday that the postponement was part of the government’s commitment to protecting the safety and well-being of children. He urged the public to remain vigilant and support efforts to maintain peace in the state.
“This decision is rooted in our deep commitment to protecting our children from all forms of danger, including the consequences of the astronomical increase in fuel prices and the resulting rise in the cost of living,” Nehikhare stated.
He further revealed that intelligence reports had indicated security threats from armed thugs allegedly imported by the APC, contributing to unrest in various parts of the state. The state government, therefore, took the precautionary measure of keeping children at home until the situation could be safely diffused.
“The APC’s reckless behavior, which has resulted in the shooting of innocent people, raises serious concerns. Their actions seem to be part of a desperate strategy to create a state of emergency and blame the PDP for the chaos. For this reason, we are keeping our children at home to ensure their safety,” Nehikhare added.
The government reassured parents and guardians that measures are in place to minimize the impact of the extended school closure on students’ education. Nehikhare stated, “Our commitment to children’s education remains unwavering, and we will work diligently to recover any lost instructional time. The safety and education of our children are our top priorities, and we will continue to ensure that our schools provide a secure environment for learning.”
