Army assures on reconstruction of destroyed school

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

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

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

``There was actually 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 sometime trying to ensure the reconstruction of the school.

``We are trying to rebuild the entire structures by supervising contractors on site.

``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 because of the total destruction its suffered in the hands of terrorists'', he said.

Ezugwu said Nigerian army was also working toward 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 (GSS) 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 and going by the level of work done, the school will begin operation in September'', he said.

He said 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.