Soludo bans extension classes in Anambra, orders schools to close by 2.30pm

By Our Reporter

Anambra State Government has adopted the United Nations (UN) stipulations for schools to end daily academic activities by 2.30pm.

Commissioner for Education, Prof Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, made this known Monday in a statement in Awka.

She said the adoption was in line with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s desire for school children to have adequate rest and interaction with their parents before the commencement of the next day’s activities.

She charged all school Heads in the State to ensure closure of all daily academic activities by 2.30pm, to give room for the children to be at home by 3pm.

The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor had expressed worry over long periods of time pupils spend in school, describing the practice as unhealthy to both the pupils and their parents.

The prelate who blamed teachers for the ugly development, lamented that the current education system makes it almost impossible for pupils to spend quality time with their parents as teachers engaged the pupils in lessons from 7am to 6pm.

He urged government to moderate the schools academic and extracurricular activities to enable pupils balance their studies with home training and other engagements.