By Tony Osauzo, Benin
‎
Yesterday, the Edo State government ordered the retirement of the permanent secretaries of the Ministry of Education and the Post-Primary Education Board as well as the two principals of Idogbo Secondary School , following the rampage of students at school on December 3, 2021.

The decision was taken during an Executive Council Meeting (EXCO) chaired by the State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, at Government House, Benin City.

In a statement after the meeting, the Commissioner for Communication and Guidance, Hon. Andrew Emwanta JP, said the Executive Council made the decision after considering the report of a committee set up by the council and chaired by the Deputy Governor to investigate the remote and immediate cause of the fracas and make recommendations to the government.

“Following the rampage by students at Idogbo Secondary School on December 3, 2021, which led to attacks on school principals and teachers as well as the destruction of school property, the Council Executive (EXCO) formed a committee headed by the Deputy Governor to investigate the remote and immediate causes of the unrest at the school and make recommendations to the government.

“Committee interventions focused on academics, policy, accountability, staff, extracurricular activities, student support and community engagement.

“The committee’s report was submitted today to the EXCO and has been the subject of extensive deliberations.

“Following the findings and recommendations of the committee report, the EXCO approved that the permanent secretaries of the Ministry of Education and that of the Edo State Post-Primary Education Board be removed from service. also concerned by this decision the principals of the primary and secondary schools of the secondary school of Idogbo.

“The EXCO also approved the rehabilitation of the school, which is now to operate as a junior high school,” the commissioner added.

Furthermore, he said that the council ordered the reopening of Idogbo Secondary School on February 1, 2022 and that all students must go through re-admission and pay a fee before being re-admitted, to repair the damage caused. at school.

“All Heads of Secondary Schools in the State are advised not to admit pupils immediately if they cannot produce a transfer certificate from the Ministry or its branches in the LGAs.

“The EXCO has also ordered schools to be decongested to enforce less than 50 students per class. All principals are warned to discontinue the usual practice of admitting students without resorting to the existing admissions policy.

“In accordance with the Universal Basic Education Act of 2004 which states that basic education consists of the first nine years of schooling plus one year of early childhood education, the Edo State Government will now embark on the disarticulation of primary and secondary schools”, added the commissioner.