The Edo State Government declared an indefinite postponement of the resumption of all schools in the state. This is attributed to the recent hike in the prices of fuel. The was contained in a memo signed by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Ojo Akin-Longe and circulated on Saturday, September 7 in Benin City.
It said resumption of public and private schools, hitherto fixed for Monday, September 9, 2024, was no longer feasible and would remain so until further notice. The government complained about the current socio-economic situation, especially in the wake of the fuel price increment that had thrown most parents and guardians across the state into palpable distress.
Good news as FG Reverses Ban on Under-18 WAEC, NECO Age Limits
Akin-Longe had said in the memo thus: “The Edo State Government hereby announces the postponement of resumption of all public and private schools in Edo State, earlier fixed for Monday, 9th September 2024, till further notice, due to the increasing tension in the state over the recent fuel price increase.
It further called on parents, guardians, and caregivers to be vigilant during the period and urged them to show interest in what their children and wards were doing. The suspension is characterized as a necessary measure of soothing the burden on families who are already struggling with the rising cost of living.
Akin-Longe said: “The government urges parents, guardians, and caregivers to be attentive to the activities of their children and wards in relation to the prevailing situation on the ground and the palpable tension provoked by the increment of the petroleum price. We are quite aware of the family challenges and remain resolute toward finding solutions that will reduce the pressure.
The indefinite closure has had several reactions from the public; many have vented their fears that it may disrupt the students’ academic calendar. However, the government maintained that closure would only be for a period necessary and that alternative plans would be made known in due course.
This has become a move in the wider reach of the Edo State Government to intervene in the challenges brought about by the increase in fuel prices in the country, which has met nugatory protests and economic difficulties everywhere in the country. Many states are reeling from the impact-a situation where citizens are made to bear the harsh increase in transportation and living costs.
Further announcements on resumption are likely as the government continues to monitor the situation.
