The presidential candidate of Labour party, Mr Peter Obi is not comfortable or supportive of the closure of Federal government Colleges in Abuja.
Unity schools in Abuja were yesterday shut down due to growing security concerns. Kidnapping in the Federal Capital Territory had become rampant in recent times.
Obi took to his Twitter handle to express his disappointment on the manner education is being “stifled by insecurity, avoidable industrial action of unions and poor funding, all arising from poor governance.”
He tweeted:
“The proposed closure of some schools in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, is not only worrisome but depressing. As a firm believer in the transformative role of education, I am saddened by how education in Nigeria has continued to be stifled by insecurity, avoidable industrial action of unions and poor funding, all arising from poor governance.
The affected students of these colleges, when added to the millions of students already languishing at home due to ASUU Strike and the 18.5 million out-of-school children roaming the streets, all add to the painful burden that slows the nation down on its journey to development.
While I understand this decision by the government as a measure of keeping our students safe, I reiterate that insecurity can be fought permanently by lifting people out of poverty, through support for small businesses and the creation of jobs, adequately employing more training and equipping our security personnel.
The government, in keeping to its duties of protecting the lives of citizens, must be proactive in its actions. I urge the government to do all within its power to arrest the high level of insecurity in the nation, to enable our students safely return to schools, and for our nation to return to the part of progress. -PO”
