#Directs Immediate Disengagement Of Teachers
OBINNA UCHENDU Abakaliki
The Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki has directed the immediate closure of all non-approved Catholic schools operating under its jurisdiction.
In a statement signed by the Director, Department of Catholic Education, Rev. Fr. Edward Inyanwachi, for the Bishop, Most Rev. Peter Chukwu directed the school managers to shut down such schools without delay.
The statement emphasized that, no diocesan school is permitted to operate within church buildings or parish halls. Parents whose children are affected are to be encouraged to enroll them in nearby approved schools.
The statement further directed all school managers to ensure an orderly reimbursement of fees already paid by parents as well as the disengagement of teachers in the affected schools.
Fr. Inyanwachi explained that the tough directive was necessary to comply with government policies and to prevent embarrassment that could arise from enforcement actions by officials empowered to close down illegal schools.
“This is a wake-up call for us as we engage in the school apostolate. We must not bow to pressure from parents or guardians but rather follow due process for establishing schools with adequate funding and proper planning,” the statement read.
The Education Department also directed that copies of all documents relating to the affected schools, along with financial records, be submitted to the diocesan Education Office.
“All funds belonging to the closed schools are to be deposited in Umunnachi Microfinance Bank, with statements of account attached to the submitted documents. The Diocese emphasized that strict adherence to this directive is mandatory. Ends.
