The Edo State Government has explained that its recent decision to postpone the resumption date for both private and public schools was made to safeguard children from the impact of rising petroleum prices.
The government had previously announced on Saturday the delay of school resumption, which was initially set for Monday, September 9, 2024, citing the unrest caused by the fuel price hike and the difficulties faced by parents and guardians.
This move, however, sparked criticism, with the opposition party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the state government of playing politics.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, emphasized that the decision was driven by the government’s concern for children’s safety amidst the current situation.
He explained that the delay was necessary to ensure children remained safe at home until tensions eased, and he called on the public to remain alert and united to maintain peace and stability in the state.
Nehikhare’s statement read in part, “This decision is rooted in our strong commitment to protecting our children from potential dangers, including the consequences of the sharp rise in fuel prices and the corresponding increase in the cost of living.
“We are also aware of intelligence reports about the threats posed by the APC, who have allegedly imported and armed thugs to create chaos across the state. With the safety of our children as our top priority, we are taking precautions by keeping them at home until the situation is defused.
“The reckless actions of the APC, which have reportedly led to the shooting of innocent individuals, are concerning. We believe these actions are part of a desperate attempt to provoke a state of emergency and shift blame onto the PDP.
We also want to assure the public that, aside from the public holidays on Monday and Friday, we have put in place plans to address any learning gaps caused by this extended period.
“Our commitment to our children’s education is steadfast, and we will work hard to recover any lost instructional time. The safety and education of our children remain our priority, and we will continue to take the necessary steps to protect our communities and ensure our schools are safe environments for learning.”
