As schools in Akwa Ibom get set to reopen on the 5th of August 2020, His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel has directed that all his Aides, both reappointed and newly appointed (SSAs, SAs and PAs) be co-opted as Education Monitors. Their assignment will be to monitor and supervise compliance of schools in their Local Government Areas with the COVID 19 guidelines for reopening of schools.
The Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem gave the indication today during the briefing of Governor’s Aides at the Government House Banquet Hall, Uyo.
In his address, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Nse Essien stressed that there was need to strategise on how to approach the resumption of schools as the COVID 19 pandemic had affected schools worldwide. “There is need for us to adapt and follow the basic guidelines and do what we all need to do. No need to lock up our children any further as their future is very important, same as their safety. Schools will resume next week, 5th of August so that schools can carry out 2 weeks of revision so that when exams start on the 17th, students can be adequately prepared for it” he said.
Furthermore, he added “We are embarking on a phased and gradual reopening and we must make the schools good enough for our children to be safe. Its important we try to observe the laid down guidelines for safe opening of schools. We are not sacrificing the lives of our kids but we are monitoring to ensure that no mistake is made hence the instruction of the Governor that all his Aides by coopted as Education monitors”
Prof. Essien warned that any school found to have defaulted in the guidelines after one to two weeks of resumption will be denied the COVID 19 Compliance certificate and barred from taking the Examinations. He expressed optimism in the capacity of the Aides to deliver on the assignment given to them and make the State proud.
The meeting also had in attendance the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Akparawa Ephraim Inyang, Dean of College of Aides, Elder. Ufot Ebong, The Chairman, State Secondary Education Board, Dr. Umana Umana, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs. Helen Ante, her State Secondary Education Board Counterparts and Directors in the Ministry of Education.