The Abia government has inaugurated a State Safe School Steering Committee to safeguard educational institutions.
The information commissioner, Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday during a media briefing on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting in Umuahia.
Mr Kanu said the development formed part of the Abia government’s strategic efforts to safeguard lives and property in Abia, especially amid recent security concerns across the country regarding school safety.
He said, “This is in response to the growing need to safeguard educational institutions in the state, following emerging security concerns around the country. During the inauguration, it was highlighted that the committee will serve as a multi-sectoral strategic platform to coordinate state-level implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration.
“The safe schools declaration includes developing and monitoring safety and protection protocols for schools across the state.”
Mr Kanu also said that the government had announced the resumption of schools statewide for the second term of the 2025/2026 academic session.
He said that education officers covering the basic and secondary levels would monitor compliance to ensure that all public schools reopened as scheduled.
Mr Kanu said that work was in progress on smart school projects being executed by the state government, recording major milestones in infrastructure, equipment, and teacher training for smart schools.
He added that two smart schools may be inaugurated in February, following substantial completion.