Abia State Government Launches Special Committee to Reclaim Public School Lands from Past Govt officials
To enhance the quality of education, around 12,000 public school teachers will undergo a capacity-building program during the summer.
Umuahia, August 5, 2024 — The Abia State Government has formed a high-level committee aimed at recovering public school lands reportedly appropriated by officials from the previous administration. Governor Alex Otti announced the formation of this special committee at a state executive council meeting on Monday.
The committee, spearheaded by Caleb Ajagba, Chief of Staff to the Governor, is charged with the crucial task of reclaiming approximately 180 public schools whose lands were allegedly seized by former officials and their associates. The group also includes the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Uche Eme Uche, as Secretary, and members such as the Commissioners for Justice, Lands/Housing, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, alongside key figures from the Umuahia Capital Development Authority and the Greater Aba Development Authority, and the Chief Security Officer to the Governor.
Okey Kanu, Commissioner for Information and Culture, detailed the government's stance against the "greed and mindless impunity" that led to the unlawful acquisition of school lands. He emphasized that any misuse of these lands, especially schools handed over to various organizations, is unacceptable and that such properties must be used solely for educational purposes.
In addition to addressing land recovery, the government has completed a comprehensive assessment of the educational sector. To enhance the quality of education, around 12,000 public school teachers will undergo a capacity-building program during the summer. This initiative aims to prepare educators for the restructured school system, which will be fully operational by September.
