Edo State Postpones School Resumption Indefinitely Amid Fuel Price Hike; APC Criticizes Move as “Political Maneuvering”

The Edo State government, led by Governor Godwin Obaseki, has announced an indefinite postponement of the resumption of all schools in the state due to the recent surge in fuel prices. Originally set for September 9, 2024, the new school resumption date has been deferred until further notice.

This decision was communicated in a memo issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Ojo Akin-Longe, who cited rising tension and challenges stemming from the fuel price increase as reasons for the delay. The government urged parents, guardians, and caregivers to closely monitor their children during this period of uncertainty.

In response, the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State has sharply criticized the government’s decision. APC Publicity Secretary Peter Uwadiae-Enosorogbe condemned the move as “costly political maneuvering,” arguing that fluctuating fuel prices should not disrupt the educational system. He emphasized that there has been no significant public outcry regarding fuel prices affecting school attendance and labeled the decision as illogical and detrimental to students’ education.

Uwadiae-Enosorogbe further criticized the government for jeopardizing education, noting the decline in the state’s performance in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). He called for an immediate reversal of the decision, urging stakeholders to advocate for the reopening of schools to prevent further disruption to students’ education.