The Abia State government has inaugurated the Abia State Safe Schools Steering Committee to safeguard lives and property in educational institutions across the state. The announcement was made by Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, during a press briefing at the Government House on Monday following this week’s executive council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

According to Kanu, the committee was established in response to emerging security concerns nationwide and aims to create a multi-sectoral platform to implement the Safe Schools Declaration at the state level.

“The committee will develop and monitor safety and protection protocols for schools across the state. It will also engage stakeholders from the education, security, humanitarian, and civil sectors, and mobilize financial and technical resources to ensure safer learning environments in Abia,” Kanu explained.

The committee will coordinate strategies to protect students, teachers, and school infrastructure, ensuring that educational institutions remain secure and conducive for learning.

Additionally, the Commissioner revealed that 28,213 persons applied for the 4,000 approved teaching positions in the second batch of recruitment in Abia State, and the government would soon shortlist successful candidates.