The Bayelsa State Government has indefinitely closed two private schools for failing to comply with a directive mandating a break for all schools in the state until floodwaters recede.
Recall that the state’s Ministry of Education had previously established a flood break in the school calendar from September to October, aimed at protecting students from potential drowning hazards as many institutions are likely to be affected by rising water levels.
The schools facing closure are Richard Academy in Otuoke, located in the Ogbia Local Government Area, and Godson Foundation Academy in Agbere, Sagbama, according to Daily Trust.
The decision was communicated by Mr. Simon-Peter Okene, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, in a statement released on Saturday.
Okene noted that the closures were necessary due to the schools’ blatant disregard for government directives regarding the approved academic calendar, particularly during this flood break.
He emphasized that investigations confirmed the schools were still operational despite the warnings.
The proprietors of the schools reportedly claimed they were not operating under the jurisdiction of the Bayelsa State Ministry of Education.
In light of this situation, the public has been advised against engaging with these institutions, and examination bodies have been instructed to refrain from conducting any business with them.
He said, “The closure of the affected schools is due to flagrant disregard to Government directive to operate only government approved academic calendar especially in observance of the ongoing flood break in the face of rising water levels across the state.
“This is to serve as a deterrent to schools that take pleasure in flouting government directives. Investigation reveals that the schools are still in session.
“The proprietors, when contacted, boldly stated that they are not operating under the Bayelsa State Ministry of Education. The general public is by this announcement advised not to have any dealings with the aforementioned schools.
“Furthermore, all examination bodies should take note and cease from having any dealings with those schools.”