By Felix Khanoba
The Federal Government says it has perfected plan to reopen Federal Government College, Kwali, Abuja, which was unceremoniously shut over fear of terrorists’ attack.
The AUTHORITY reports that an unconfirmed report had trended on social media in July, indicating that there were heavy shootings by rampaging terrorists close to FGC Kwali, forcing the Federal Ministry of Education to order the closure of the school as well as other unity schools in Abuja.
But addressing newsmen on Thursday ahead the 2022 edition of the ‘International Day To Protect Education From Attack’ which will hold on Friday, Minister of State for Education, Goodluck Nanah Opiah, said FGC, Kwali, would be opened for normal academic activities in the incoming new session.
“The school itself was not under attack, it was an action taken by the ministry to further pre-empt subjecting the students to danger and I think it was the right action in the right direction, the ministry deserves commendation for that achievement.
” We didn’t just closed the school, the students were sent to different schools, like I said it was not a permanent measure. Schools are about to be reopened and the school will be part of those that will be opened. The ministry is partnering with various security agencies in safeguarding our schools generally. So be rest assured that the safety of our out children is well important to us, ” Opiah, who represented Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, at the media parley said.
Speaking on the observance of the “International Day To Protect Education From Attack”, the minister said the Day was initiated by Qatar and co-sponsored by sixty two (62) other countries at the 76th United Nations General Assembly in 2020.
He said Nigeria will commemorate the Day under the theme, “Implementing the School Safety Policy as a Tool To Protect Education From Attack: Our Collective Responsibility,” adding that the theme was devised by the Ministry to create awareness on the existence of the School Safety Policy and the need for state governments, Education Institutions and stakeholders, civil society organizations, the Military, and the general public to operationalize the guidance therein.
“The School Safety Policy copiously highlights the strategies for emergency preparedness in education institutions, measures for harm reduction, stakeholders to contact for help in case of imminent attack, deterrence of the Military from using education institutions and procedures to ensure that education continues if the attack is inevitable.
“Consequently, the Ministry will celebrate the event with pre activities and a grand finale. The pre-activities was initiated by call letters to education institutions to commence the preparation of learners that will perform at the occasion. The performance will involve re-enactment of conflict situations in education institutions through playlets or dance drama, poetic renditions and debate competition based on the theme, ” the minister said.
