The Abia State government has announced plans to merge and upgrade eight Schools of Nursing and Midwifery into a full-fledged College of Nursing Sciences, with the main campus located in Umuahia.

During a press briefing, State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, emphasized that this move is part of the government’s broader agenda to reform the educational system. He also revealed plans to train 2,000 master trainers for teachers across the state, with 200 already trained and 1,800 more to follow.

Kanu further disclosed that Abia schools will reopen on September 16, 2024, with 40 teachers shortlisted for training under the Abia State School Enhancement Team Programme. Additionally, security personnel are being deployed to public schools to safeguard lives and property.

In healthcare developments, the newly upgraded eye center at Abia Specialist Hospital in Amachara will be commissioned on September 3, 2024, reflecting the government’s commitment to improving healthcare services in the state.