Why Imo Is Not Ready For Schools Resumption

From Everest Ezihe, Owerri

With 11 States so far in Nigeria reopening schools in the face of coronavirus pandemic, Imo State government says it is not ready yet to do so.

The State government said it cannot reopen schools until on-going Covid-19 testing programme in all the 27 local government areas of the State are concluded.

However, this was part of its resolution at the recent weekly State Executive Council meeting held at Government House, Owerri.

It’s pertinent to recall that the State Ministry of Health had last month kick started testing for Covid-19 in the 27 Council areas of the State.

Meanwhile, The Authority investigation has revealed that that the deferment of schools resumption in the State may also be related to the resolve of Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, in the state, not to go back to classes until their salaries are paid.

NUT Chairman, Imo State, Mr Phillip Nwanshi, two weeks ago told media practitioners in the state said that as at September 2020, about 2,000 teachers have not been paid for about seven months.

He had told newsmen last month that if the State government directs the resumption of schools, teachers in the State will not return to classes until their salaries are settled.

The State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma had however assured that non-payment of salaries will soon be a thing of the past in the State.

He said soon salary payments to civil servants and pensions to pensioners will soon be automated, assuring of his administration’s commitment to ensure workers and pensioners are happy in the State.