The Edo State government, led by Governor Godwin Obaseki, has indefinitely postponed the resumption of schools across the state due to the recent spike in fuel prices. This decision was communicated through a memo by Ojo Akin-Longe, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education. Schools, initially scheduled to resume on September 9, 2024, will now remain closed until further notice, causing concerns among parents and education stakeholders.
Akin-Longe cited the rising tension and challenges arising from the fuel price hike as the primary reason for the delay. He emphasized that the government’s action aims to ensure the safety and well-being of students, urging parents and guardians to monitor their children during this uncertain period. The indefinite suspension has sparked mixed reactions, particularly from the opposition.
Reacting to the announcement, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State criticized the government’s decision, labeling it as a political move that could hurt the state’s educational system. The party’s Publicity Secretary, Peter Uwadiae-Enosorogbe, argued that while fuel prices have fluctuated in the past, they should not disrupt school activities. He pointed out that no major protests or outcries from parents had been recorded regarding the impact of fuel prices on schooling, thus questioning the rationale behind the postponement.
Furthermore, Uwadiae-Enosorogbe condemned the delay, stating that the decision is detrimental to students and the educational system, which has already suffered in recent years. He noted that Edo State’s declining performance in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), where it ranked 26th, was already alarming. He urged the government to reverse its decision to prevent further damage to the education sector, especially after parents had paid fees and purchased school materials.
The APC spokesperson also stressed that keeping children out of school for political reasons is counterproductive. He called on stakeholders to press for the reopening of schools, emphasizing that the students’ eagerness to return to learning should not be hindered by government policies.