Closure of Abuja college, ASUU strike manifestation of bad governance — Peter Obi

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Labour Party, voiced his displeasure on Tuesday over the Federal Government College, Kwali, Abuja, being shut down due to national security.

Adamu Adamu, the minister of education, had on Monday ordered the closure of the school due to a security breach in the Kwali Area Council’s Sheda and Lambata communities.
Additionally, he ordered that preparations be made so that students in their final year may complete their National Examination Council (NECO) exams.

Obi, who responded to the development on Twitter, saying it was an example of poor governance, among other things.

He urged the federal government to take initiative in resolving the national security challenges.

He wrote: “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.