Abia State Commissioner for Education, Professor Uche Eme Uche has told the Panel on recovery of government properties and funds that about 300 government schools in the state were allegedly taken over by individuals and faith-based organizations, saying that she made the discovery on her assumption of office.
She said that some of the schools were later converted to relief markets and social event centres.
She stated this while appearing at the Abia State Judiciary Panel of Inquiry on recovery of government properties and funds in Umuahia.
According to her, on assumption of office, she got a report that Comprehensive Secondary School, Okpu-Umuobo in Osisioma Ngwa LGA was allegedly taken over by an individual who claimed that the immediate past governor, Okezie Ikpeazu approved it for National Agricultural Land Development Agency (NALDA) project.
The Commissioner said efforts to trace the documents relating to such handover of government school proved abortive, adding that when she visited the school alongside the General Manager of Greater Aba Development Agency, armed security personnel positioned in the school allegedly fired a gunshot on them, which prompted them to take refugee in one Eze’s Palace until they were rescued by the police from the nearest police station.
Uche said that she had no alternative than to secure a space at Obuwa Community School for the students, adding that she has reported the matter to the Governor Alex Otti.
The Commissioner also prayed the Panel to investigate the activities of the Examination Development Center, Umuahia.
