Abia returns 22 schools to former owners

Odili.net

21 Jan 2011

Abia returns 22 schools to former owners

Declares work-free days for voters' registration

NO fewer than 22 secondary schools have been approved by the Abia State government for return to their former owners after the defunct East-Central State government took over all schools after the Civil War in 1970.

The state Information/Strategy Commissioner, Anthony Agbazuere, announced this to journalists on Wednesday after the State Executive Council meeting.  

He added that the action was consequent upon the report of the committee set up for that purpose and headed by the Deputy Governor, Acho Nwakanma and the demand by some church-owners of the schools so taken over.

He, however, said the 22 approved schools were the first phase and that their owners should apply for same and attach all necessary information indicating that thereafter, a formal bill to that effect would be presented to the state Legislature for passage into law.

He added that the government would ensure that the welfare and interests of the teachers in the returned schools would be taken care of.

Agbazuere named the owners of the schools as Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist, Apostolic, Qua Iboe, Adventist and Apostolic and Anglican Churches.