Chinedum Treasure
In a significant step towards accessible education for all, the Ebenese Nursery and Primary School in Oko has officially transitioned into the public school system.
The school was formally handed over to the Anambra State Government by the Oko community in a ceremony that marked a new chapter for education in the area.
The event witnessed the presence of the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma Udeh, accompanied by key figures from the education sector, including the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ifeoma Agbaizu; the Director of Schools, Mrs. Ifeoma Onyebueke; the Secretary of the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board, Nneora Ebele Mgbaemena and other senior officials.
Prof. Udeh applauded the community for embracing the state’s Public-Private Community Partnership (PPCP) initiative, which aims to bring quality education closer to every child.
She noted that the establishment of the school was a forward-thinking move that addressed a pressing need within the community.
“Your decision ensures that no child in this locality is left behind due to distance,” the Commissioner remarked.
“With this school now integrated into the public system, children here will have easy access to education, which aligns with the state’s mission to reach even the most remote areas.”
She also assured that qualified teachers would be deployed to the school ahead of the next academic session to ensure a smooth and effective take-off.
In his remarks, Nze Casmir Nwafor, Acting National President of the Oko People’s Union (OPU), highlighted that the school was initially established to address the long distances children had to walk to attend the only existing public school in the area.
He urged the government to post teachers and provide necessary resources under the PPCP model to enhance the learning environment.
Nze Nwafor also pledged the community’s commitment to maintaining the infrastructure and ensuring teachers have suitable accommodation.
The ceremony concluded with the official handover of the school’s documents to the state government and the donation of writing materials provided by Dr. Nonye Soludo, wife of the Anambra State Governor, and Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, First Lady of Nigeria to the School.
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