BY PETER OKUTU

ABAKALIKI – EBONYI State Government yesterday disclosed that  of the 494 illegal and substandard schools identified by the committee set up to flush out such schools from the education sector, only 328 would be closed down for their inability to either upgrade their standards or follow laid down rules and regulation.

The government regretted the existence of such schools in the state, stressing its readiness to close them down in order to commence a complete overhaul of the educational system in the state.

Personal Assistant to the governor on Higher Education, Professor Mike Otuma, who disclosed this in Abakaliki while briefing newsmen, reiterated the commitment of the state government towards improving the standard of education in the state.

He assured that the present development would not only engender confidence in the education sector, but also pave way for citizens to invest in the education sector for the betterment of
generations yet unborn.

Otuma, who is also Chairman of the Committee, submitted  the committee’s report to the state Commissioner for Education, Mr Ndubuisi Chibueze Agbo.

Otuma said: “The committee recommended the immediate closure of the schools, comprising nursery, primary and secondary.

“The state government will adopt national formula in making sure that all schools in the state receive qualified approval.”

Receiving the report, Mr Agbo commended the committee for discharging its duties creditably and promised to present the report to the State Executive Council for necessary action.

He also reaffirmed government’s determination to provide quality education for people in the state.