The Edo State Government stated that its recent decision to postpone the resumption date for both private and public schools was taken to protect pupils from the effects of increased fuel costs.
On Saturday, the administration announced the postponement of school resumption, which was originally scheduled for Monday, September 9, 2024, citing instability due by the fuel price increase and problems for parents and guardians.
This action, however, drew condemnation from the opposition party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), which accused the state government of playing politics.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, highlighted that the decision was motivated by the government’s concern for children’s safety in the current circumstances.
He explained that the delay was important to keep youngsters safe at home until tensions subsided, and he urged the population to be vigilant and unified in order to keep the state’s peace and stability intact.
Nehikhare’s statement stated in part, “This decision is rooted in our strong commitment to protecting our children from potential dangers, including the consequences of the sharp rise in fuel prices and the corresponding increase in the cost of living.”
“We are also aware of intelligence reports about the threats posed by the APC, who have allegedly imported and armed thugs to create chaos across the state. With the safety of our children as our top priority, we are taking precautions by keeping them at home until the situation is defused.
“The reckless actions of the APC, which have reportedly led to the shooting of innocent individuals, are concerning. We believe these actions are part of a desperate attempt to provoke a state of emergency and shift blame onto the PDP.
We also want to assure the public that, aside from the public holidays on Monday and Friday, we have put in place plans to address any learning gaps caused by this extended period.
“Our commitment to our children’s education is steadfast, and we will work hard to recover any lost instructional time. The safety and education of our children remain our priority, and we will continue to take the necessary steps to protect our communities and ensure our schools are safe environments for learning.”
