NEWS
FINAL TERM RESUMPTION IN ABIA SCHOOLS RECORDS STRONG TURNOUT AS ADMINISTRATORS DEMAND URGENT SECURITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES
Schools across Abia State have officially resumed for the final term of the 2025/2026 academic session, marking a critical phase in the academic calendar. The resumption has been met with encouraging student turnout across several institutions, even as school administrators raise pressing concerns over security gaps and infrastructural deficiencies that could hinder effective learning.
At Umuola Egbelu Community Secondary School in Aba North Local Government Area, the atmosphere on the first day reflected renewed academic energy and commitment among students and staff.
The Principal of the Senior Secondary Section, Mrs. Offia Ndukwe Onyemaobi, described the turnout as impressive, revealing that over 97 students were present, signaling strong readiness among learners and their parents for the demands of the concluding term.
She emphasized that the term would be particularly intensive, with a packed schedule that includes internal assessments, external examinations, promotion exercises, and a range of extracurricular engagements designed to round off the academic session.
Mrs. Onyemaobi further disclosed that the state government has put in place measures to strengthen students’ academic preparedness, especially for those sitting for external examinations. Candidates have been directed to continue engaging with their subject teachers during holidays to ensure full syllabus coverage. This initiative, she explained, is also a strategic effort to discourage examination malpractice by equipping students with adequate knowledge and confidence to face their examinations independently.
Despite the promising start, concerns over the safety of the school environment remain a major issue. The principal highlighted the urgent need for perimeter fencing, noting that while security personnel have been deployed to monitor the premises after school hours, the open structure of the school compound exposes it to potential security breaches. She also pointed out that some facilities previously vandalised by hoodlums have yet to be restored, urging the government to take swift action to protect both lives and educational infrastructure.
In the Junior Secondary Section, similar concerns were echoed by the Principal, Deaconess Ekeledirichi Odochi Alozie, who drew attention to the growing challenge of inadequate classroom space and insufficient seating capacity. She revealed that 157 students resumed on the first day, a figure that underscores increasing enrollment but also intensifies pressure on existing facilities.
According to her, overcrowded classrooms are beginning to affect the quality of teaching and learning, making it difficult for both teachers and students to operate in a conducive environment. She called on the government and relevant education stakeholders to urgently provide additional classrooms and furniture to accommodate the rising student population.
Deaconess Alozie, however, commended the enthusiasm displayed by both teachers and students at resumption, noting a shared sense of commitment to academic excellence and character development. She reaffirmed the dedication of educators to not only impart knowledge but also instill strong moral values in students.
Speaking from the student perspective, a JSS2 student, Master Chukwuemeka Kingsley, expressed excitement about returning to school and the opportunities the new term presents. He reaffirmed his determination to remain focused on his studies, with the goal of excelling in his promotion examinations and advancing to the next class.
The developments observed across the school reflect a broader reality within the state’s education sector, one marked by resilience, growing student participation, and committed educators, but also challenged by infrastructural gaps and security concerns. As the final term progresses, the calls from administrators underscore the need for sustained and responsive government intervention to ensure that schools provide safe, supportive, and effective learning environments for all students.