Ebonyi on Monday ordered the shutting of schools from Feb. 22 to March 13 to enable students and other eligible voters to vote at the 2023 general elections.

Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Uchenna Orji, told newsmen that the decision was the outcome of the state’s Executive Council meeting on Monday.

Orji said the council arrived at the decision having considered a memorandum presented by the commissioner for education requesting it to declare public holidays during the elections.

“Council noted the reason behind the considerations sought especially the security considerations and the sensitivity of the elections.

“It approved the request and directed that for the sake of students’ civic rights and security considerations, all public and private primary and secondary schools shall observe the public holidays.

“This is effective from Feb. 22 to March 13.

“Schools academic session would be extended by three weeks to cover the lost academic period,’’ he said.

Orji added that the government also rewarded an Ebonyi student, Chidiebere Nwigboji from Ikwo Local Government Area for exceptional academic performance.

“The student of Ebonyi State University Staff Secondary School, Abakaliki, emerged the overall third best student in Nigeria at the 774 Young Nigerian Scientists Presidential Award.

“He was received at the council meeting as it was noted that the award was presented by President Muhammadu Buhari.

“Ebonyi awarded him scholarship up to Ph.D. as his performance made the state the third best state in the sciences according to the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation.

“Council made a donation of N3 million to him and approved that he be listed in the state’s Hall of Fame,’’ the commissioner said.