The Anambra state government says increasing students’ enrollment for its Smart Schools initiative has led to overpopulation in some of the facilities across the state.
The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, said this while speaking with journalists on Monday in Awka.
Chuma-Udeh said that the 22 Smart Schools completed under the first phase of the programme are facing overpopulation..
She, however, attributed the overpopulation to public confidence in the initiative, saying that the state government was seriously taking steps to expand the infrastructure.
“Overwhelming interest of parents seeking admission for their children into the schools has caused overcrowding in some locations.
“We are experiencing some teething problems, the major one being over-subscription.
“Every parent wants their children to benefit from the Smart Schools initiative,” she said.
The commissioner confirmed that Gov. Chukwuma Soludo is ready to construct additional infrastructure to accommodate the increasing demands
She further said that the security and protection of facilities in host communities had been entrusted to local stakeholders.
“The facilities were handed over to their host communities, where President-Generals, traditional rulers and residents are expected to safeguard the infrastructure,” she said.
On sustainability of the initiative, Chuma-Udeh said that the Smart Schools project was designed as a long-term educational reform that future administrations must sustain.
“Education development is continuous and successive governments should build on existing achievements.
“This initiative is a progressive step for the benefit of future generations.
“I am optimistic that incoming administrations will continue to expand on the gains recorded in the education sector,”she declared.
