The Edo State Government has declared an indefinite delay in the reopening of all schools within the state, citing the recent fuel price increase.
This announcement was made in a memo issued by Ojo Akin-Longe, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, in Benin on Saturday.
News About Nigeria reports that the memo stated that the previously scheduled resumption date of September 9 has been put on hold until further notice.
“The Edo State Government hereby announces the postponement of the resumption of all public and private schools in Edo State, originally scheduled for Monday, 9th September 2024, until further notice,” the statement reads.
“The government has instructed schools to remain closed due to the prevailing tension caused by the fuel price hike, which has resulted in difficulties for parents and guardians.
“The state government advises parents, guardians, and caregivers to closely monitor the activities of their children and wards,” Akin-Longe said.
On September 1, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited acknowledged that it is indebted to providers of premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol.
On September 3, the national oil firm increased the pump price of petrol to N855 across its retail outlets amid long queues at filling stations.
The development followed a protracted scarcity, which has strained business activities nationwide.
Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled September 21, 2024, for the conduct of the Edo state governorship election.
Also, INEC said that it had put measures in place to minimise the circulation of false information ahead of the Edo State governorship election.
