The Edo State Government has directed schools that were temporarily shut over security concerns on Tuesday to resume academic activities on Monday after reviewing the security situation in collaboration with security agencies.
The directive was contained in a circular by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs Enodolomwanyi Otamere, on Thursday.
Governor Monday Okpebholo had on Tuesday ordered the temporary closure of Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School and Makeke Secondary School in Akoko Edo, Edo North.
The closure followed security alert by the Department of State Security (ALLLDSS) on a planned attack by bandits on some schools in the state.
According to the latest circular, the decision to reopen the schools came after a comprehensive review of the security situation by the state government in collaboration with relevant security agencies and other stakeholders.
The government stated that enhanced security measures had been implemented and additional safety mechanisms deployed across the affected communities and schools to guarantee the safety of learners, teachers and other school personnel.
‘The government is satisfied that the necessary arrangements have been put in place to ensure the safety and well-being of learners, teachers and other school personnel and the schools should be re-opened on Monday, 15 June.
‘Consequently, all public and private schools affected by the earlier closure order have been directed to resume normal academic and administrative activities from 15 June.
:School heads, proprietors and education authorities were instructed to make adequate preparations for the safe return of students and staff, while maintaining close collaboration with security agencies, community leaders and government officials to sustain a secure learning environment’, the circular stated.
The government also reassured parents, guardians and other stakeholders that adequate security measures had been deployed across schools and pledged to continue monitoring developments to protect lives, property and the education sector.
The government also urged parents and guardians to ensure that their children and wards return to school promptly to continue their academic activities.
The PUNCH had reported that the schools were shut after the Department of State Service alerted security agencies to a planned mass abduction of students in the state.
