Chinedum Elekwachi
Umuhu Community in Ukpor, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra state has officially handed over Umuhu Comprehensive Secondary School to the Anambra State Government under the Public-Private Community Partnership (PPCP) initiative.
The handover ceremony took place at the school premises.
Dignitaries included officials of Ministry of Education led by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ifeoma Agbaizu, who represented the Commissioner, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh.
Agbaizu commended the community for its foresight in establishing the school.
She noted that the gesture aligns with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s free education policy aimed at making education accessible to all children in the state.
The Permanent Secretary expressed optimism that more communities would emulate Umuhu’s example to support the government’s educational vision.
Also speaking, Mrs. Ebele Mgbemena of ASUBEB, representing the Chairman, Dr. Vera Nwadinobi, lauded the community for managing the school effectively for three years before handing it over.
She assured that the ministry would soon post qualified teachers to the school.
Fulfillment of vision
The Chairman of Nnewi South, Mrs. Nneja Ileka, described the handover as fulfillment of a 3-year effort, noting that the new school has eased the burden of students who previously trekked long distances to access government schools.
Chairman of Umuhu Progressive Union, Mr. Edward Akaolu, said the project was motivated by a desire to give every child in the community access to education.
He pledged community support for teachers through accommodation and welfare incentives.
Representing Post Primary Schools Service Commission (PPSSC), Mrs. Philomena Ezibe urged the community to maintain cordial relations with teachers and to recommend qualified locals in future recruitments.
The Head Girl, Miss Ginika Ekeh, expressed students’ appreciation to the community for nurturing the school and optimism that government takeover would bring improved learning conditions and opportunities.
