The Abia State Government has announced ambitious plans to elevate eight Schools of Nursing and Midwifery to full Colleges of Nursing Sciences. This significant upgrade involves merging the eight existing nursing schools into a single main college, which will be centrally located in Umuahia, the state capital.
During a recent press briefing in Umuahia, Prince Okey Kanu, the state Commissioner for Information, elaborated on the government’s objectives. Kanu explained that the upgrade aims to significantly enhance nursing education and improve the quality of nursing professionals produced in the state. He emphasized, “This move is aimed at enhancing the qualification and production of top-grade nurses in the state,” underscoring the government’s commitment to advancing healthcare education.
In addition to the nursing school upgrades, Kanu outlined other educational reforms planned by the state government. As part of its broader agenda to revamp the education system, the state will soon initiate a program to train 2,000 master trainers for teachers across Abia State.
This effort is designed to boost the overall quality of teaching and ensure that educators are well-equipped to provide high-quality instruction. To date, 200 teachers have already completed their training, and plans are in place to train the remaining 1,800 educators in the near future.
Kanu also provided details about the upcoming school year, announcing that schools in Abia State will reopen on September 16, 2024. The Abia State Basic Education Board (ASUBEB) has been actively involved in preparing for this new school year.
The board has screened, interviewed, and shortlisted 40 teachers for specialized training under the Abia State School Enhancement Team Programme, an initiative aimed at improving education quality and ensuring schools are ready for the new academic session.
Moreover, Kanu highlighted that the state government has taken steps to ensure the safety and security of students and school staff. This includes the deployment of security personnel to public schools throughout the state.
This new measure is intended to protect the lives of students and teachers, as well as safeguard school property. Kanu noted that this initiative is part of the broader reform agenda to create a safer and more secure educational environment.
These efforts reflect the Abia State Government’s commitment to improving educational standards and ensuring that both students and educators have the support they need for success.
