Kehinde Fajobi
The Bayelsa State Government has indefinitely closed Richard Academy in Otuoke, Ogbia Local Government Area, and Godson Foundation Academy in Agbere, Sagbama, for defying the state’s directive to suspend classes due to flooding concerns.
Announcing the decision on Saturday, Simon-Peter Okene, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, stated, “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.”
He added, “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 state includes a flood break in the school calendar between September and October to reduce the risk of students being endangered by floodwaters, which often affect many schools.
Okene also said that when the proprietors of the affected schools were contacted, they “boldly stated that they are not operating under the Bayelsa State Ministry of Education.”
He warned, “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.”