By OKECHUKWU KESHI UKEGBU

The Abia State Government has handed a stern warning to proprietors of schools who have secretly resumed studies.

The state Commissioner for Education, Dr. Kanelechi Nwangwa, disclosed that there were indications that some schools have resumed secretly against government’s directive regarding COVID-19.

“It has come to the knowledge of the state’s Ministry of Education that some proprietors are secretly reopening and running their private schools despite government’s directive to the contrary,” the commissioner said Thursday in a statement.

The statement continued: “COVID-19 is real, so no one should elevate his or her personal gain above the life and well-being of the Abia child.

“The state government under our education-friendly governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, started the Radio/TV Classroom Programme to cater for the interest of all our children while they are at home as a result of the restrictions necessitated by COVID-19. This program has been running seamlessly and has even diversified to having online versions for those who may not find the time for the radio or TV programs favourable especially the parents/guardians who might also need to guide and supervise their children/wards.

”Everyone is expected to take advantage of this platform and ensure our children learn conveniently at home in this trying time without constituting a risk to either themselves or to others instead of secretly running school activities that completely negate the basic expectation of protecting the Abia child against the ravaging coronavirus.

“Consequently, all those operating any form of physical school activities for pupils and students are hereby strongly advised to desist from carrying on with such activities immediately. Anyone caught in these practice after this announcement will face the full weight of the consequences of their action even up to closing down such schools permanently and also blacklisting the Proprietor.

“We hereby appeal once again for everyone’s understanding and ask that we should all join hands to do the right thing.

“The public will be informed when it is right to reopen schools, but for now, all Schools should remain closed in the interest of all of us.”