By Obiageli Nwankwo
The Umuhu Community in Ukpor, Nnewi South Local Government Area, has officially handed over Umuhu Comprehensive Secondary School to the Anambra State Government under the Public-Private Community Partnership (PPCP) initiative.
The handover ceremony, held at the school premises, was witnessed by Ministry of Education officials led by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ifeoma Agbaizu, who represented the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh.
Dr. Agbaizu commended the community for its foresight in establishing the school, noting that the gesture aligns with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s free education policy aimed at making education accessible to all children in the state. She expressed optimism that more communities would emulate Umuhu’s example to support the government’s educational vision.
Also speaking, the Board Secretary of ASUBEB, 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 qualified teachers would soon be posted to the school.
The Deputy Mayor of Nnewi South, Mrs. Nneka Ileka, described the handover as the fulfillment of a three-year effort, noting that the new school has eased the burden of students who previously trekked long distances to access government schools.
In their separate speeches, the Chairman of Umuhu Ukpor Progressive Union, who was the chairman of the occasion, Mr Chukwuemeka Akaelu and Board Chairman of the school, Mr. Edward Akaelu, 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 the 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.
The event marked another milestone in Anambra’s PPCP initiative, showcasing how community-government collaboration continues to strengthen education across the state.
Obiageli is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
