PM Pushes for Rapid Completion of Danish Schools

July 2, Pakistan - On Wednesday, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif instructed the appropriate agencies to speed up the construction of Danish schools throughout the nation. He also stated that a technological (Tech) campus for Danish University will be set up in Muzaffarabad, calling these educational projects a significant contribution to the country's future.

Leading a discussion on the development of Danish schools and universities, the prime minister described these organizations as some of the nation's key national treasures.

The Prime Minister's Office Media Wing stated in a press release that he instructed officials to guarantee the timely completion of Danish schools across all four provinces: Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Islamabad.

Additionally, he requested that the architectural style of the schools embody the cultural legacy of each area.

The gathering included Ministers Azam Nazeer Tarar, Ahsan Iqbal, Attaullah Tarar, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, along with high-ranking officers from the respective departments.

Stressing openness, the prime minister stated that hiring of teaching personnel and other employees at both Danish Schools and Danish University should occur solely based on qualifications.

He further praised the Ministry of Federal Education and Vocational Training for the speed at which construction projects for Danish schools are progressing.

At the meeting, authorities updated the prime minister on the development of 27 Danish-funded schools being built across Khyber Pakhtunkhawa, Sindh, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Islamabad, along with the ongoing work on the Danish University located in the national capital.

As per the report, the Danish School located in Kurri, Islamabad, has been finalized and has commenced educational programs, whereas work at the Danish Schools in Bagh, Bhimber, Sultanabad, Ghanche, and Astore is nearing completion, with lessons anticipated to begin in April 2027.

Officials further notified the gathering that the selection procedure for the teaching staff at Danish University has commenced.

The institution is set to begin educational activities in 2027 and will enroll students throughout Pakistan based on their abilities, with special attention given to offering chances to gifted young people from underdeveloped regions.

Security Alert: Plot to Kidnap Students Forces Three Schools in Edo to Close

Oscar Okhifo

The administration of Edo State has mandated the urgent shutdown of three high schools within the Akoko-Edo Local Government Area after receiving information from the Department of State Services (DSS) indicating a potential kidnapping plot targeting pupils.

The shutdown, revealed on Wednesday, came after intelligence reports suggested that armed offenders were supposedly planning a large-scale abduction of students in the Edo North Senate Area, leading officials to implement precautionary measures.

Intelligence officials characterized the danger as genuine, noting that security organizations acted quickly to prevent what might have become a significant security incident in the region.

Even though the names of the impacted schools remained undisclosed, authorities verified that the establishments have been closed permanently as monitoring and safety measures are stepped up throughout Akoko-Edo and surrounding areas.

A government representative who has knowledge of the matter stated that the move was made for the sake of public security.

"The shutdown is solely a preventive action designed to safeguard the safety of students and staff as law enforcement deal with the danger," the official stated.

Amid increasing concerns about the worsening safety conditions in Edo North, especially within the Etsako East Local Government Area, locals have consistently expressed worries regarding widespread abductions and assaults by armed groups.

Gov. Monday Okpebholo recently faced backlash after comments were linked to him stating, "Even if you abduct all of us, there is no opening at Aso Rock."

The remark triggered extensive discussion, as numerous locals argued that more focus needs to be placed on tackling crime throughout the region.

Several groups such as Agenebode and others within the Weppa/Wanna tribes, along with Okpekpe, Itsukwi, Imiakebu, and Okpella, have experienced multiple instances of kidnapping, murders, and extortion requests reaching into the millions of naira.

Numerous residents have left their agricultural lands due to concerns over assaults, intensifying financial struggles and hunger within the impacted areas, particularly in northern Ivie.

A senior member of the Itsukwi community recently expressed concern over the current circumstances, stating, "We now reside in continuous anxiety. Our individuals are no longer able to reach their fields without hesitation. We rest with one eye alert since we have no idea who might become the next target," he mentioned.

Last month, 80-year-old Michael Arekhayemhe was taken from his home in Itsukwi together with a woman who is the mother of five from an adjacent area.

Even though a ransom of ₦11 million was paid for the kidnapped individual, the old man was still murdered by his abductors.

The woman and others who had been taken from different locations were freed in distant Obajana within Kogi State after she endured 24 days of imprisonment.

Authorities and local people have been advised to stay composed yet watchful with increased security checks taking place near educational institutions, main highways, and remote neighborhoods within the impacted regions.

Officials state that educational programs will restart solely following confirmation from law enforcement authorities that the surroundings are secure for pupils and employees.

Experts point out that recent school shutdowns highlight the critical importance of improved safety protocols, cautioning that closing educational institutions might prevent short-term threats but cannot replace addressing the gangs that still intimidate populations throughout Edo North.

Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).

Rivers to Shut Down Unapproved Private Schools by June 15

Itode Akari

PORT HARCOURT – The Rivers State Administration, via the Department of Education, has revealed intentions to launch a citywide operation targeting unauthorized private educational institutions throughout the region, starting on Monday, June 15, 2026. This information was shared in an open communication document signed by the Education Commissioner, Dr. Peters Nwagor, and released by the Head of Information and Public Relations, Tochi Abinye Pepple, on Wednesday. The department highlighted that this initiative seeks to enhance quality control and guarantee conformity with educational guidelines within the state. As per the declaration, private schools functioning without authorization or formal recognition from the Ministry, along with those not meeting necessary academic and infrastructure requirements, will face closure according to the rules outlined in the State's Private Educational Institutions Act and relevant laws. Dr. Nwagor mentioned that this action aims to provide students in Rivers State access to high-quality education in secure and suitable learning settings. He further instructed all licensed private schools still owing annual renewal charges to clear these debts promptly, cautioning that solely establishments possessing current licenses and updated financial records would be permitted to remain active. The Commissioner reiterated the government’s dedication to maintaining standards in the educational field, stating that this step is meant to protect student interests while enhancing management practices among privately run schools throughout the area. He encouraged owners who require more details to go to the State Quality Assurance Services (SEQAS) office located inside the Government Girls' Secondary School (GGSS), Rumuokwuta, Port Harcourt, or reach out directly to the Director of SEQAS, Dr. Chinedu Wordu. The Department affirmed that this regulatory activity represents one component of wider initiatives undertaken by the Rivers State Government to elevate educational excellence and enforce rigorous operational norms throughout the state.

Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).