Christmas Holidays: Schools Resume In Rivers, Today

The Rivers State Ministry of Education has announced the resumption of both  public and private schools in the state for the second term 2019/2020 academic session with effect from today.
A statement from the  State Ministry of Education available to The Tide, said ahead of the resumption of schools, the  State Ministry of Education has reinstated its stand  that unapproved schools in state remain banned and should not open for resumption.
It will be recalled that the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom, had in last year set up a committee for accreditation and approval of private schools; a move designed to improve quality education in the state.
The committee, led by professor  Ozo Mekuri Ndimele, in its report denied accreditation/approval to 437 schools which did not meet set requirements for the operations of private schools.
“Subsequently,  the state government directed that all schools denied approval should discontinue operations forthwith”.
The statement quoted the state  Commissioner for Education, Professor Kaniye Ebeku, while  speaking on the resumption of schools over the weekend said  the directive on the ban of unapproved schools still subsists.
Professor Ebeku, however, advised parents and guardians of pupils and students not to patronize unapproved schools, adding that such schools are illegal and should not resume.
He warned that any of the unapproved schools found operating will be made to face appropriate sanctions in accordance with the relevant state laws..
The Education Commissioner further disclosed that the Rivers State Government has made adequate provisions for the maintenance and functioning of public schools in the state, and cautioned Heads of public primary and secondary schools in the state not to collect any fee from pupils and students.
”Any Principal or Head teacher that violates the directive will face appropriate disciplinary  measures” the statement stated