Chibok girls school will reopen in September, army assures

The Nigerian Army on Saturday expressed optimism that the Government Secondary School (GSS), Chibok in Borno State, will reopen for academic activities in September.

Brigadier-General Victor Ezugwu, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, told newsmen in Maiduguri, the state capital, that this was based on progress of its reconstruction.

Ezugwu said the army took over the supervision of the reconstruction after a directive from the Presidency.

“The school has become a national monument of sort following the April 14, 2014 abduction of about 217 girls by terrorists at the institution.

“There was a presidential order asking army engineers to take over the reconstruction of the school, which led to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) giving directives for us to move in,” he said.

Ezugwu said the engineers had been on site for some time trying to ensure the reconstruction of the school.

“Our target is that we shall be able to get some buildings ready before the commencement of the next academic session so that the school will be able to pick up again following its destruction by terrorists,’, he said.

Ezugwu said that the Nigerian Army was also working towards the take -off of a Command Day Secondary School in the state.

“The one that gladdens my heart most is the Command Day Secondary School, Auno. The state government is renovating the buildings of the former Government Secondary School, Auno, for the take- off of the Command Day Secondary School. It is one of the efforts to appreciate what the army has done for the state.

“I was there with the Commissioner of Education to see things for myself. Going by the level of work done so far, the school will begin operation in September.

“It would be a good opportunity for the Nigerian Army to have its education corps to teach the students who are the future generals, doctors and professors,” he said.