In a significant policy shift, Abia State, under the leadership of Governor Alex Otti, has announced free and compulsory education for all children from primary school through junior secondary, starting January 2025.
This initiative was introduced by the Abia State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, after a State Executive Council meeting. Kanu emphasized the government’s commitment to improving access to quality education for young residents.
“Education is free in Abia State up to the end of Junior Secondary School,” Kanu stated. “There is no reason whatsoever why parents will not send their children to school.”
He highlighted that, under the Abia State Child’s Rights Law of 2006, parents and guardians who fail to enroll their children will face legal consequences.
“The policy applies to all children residing in Abia, irrespective of their state of origin,” Kanu added. “In line with the Abia State Child’s Rights Law, it will now be an offence for parents not to send their children and wards to school in Abia State.”
This policy aims to foster inclusivity in education and enhance academic infrastructure in alignment with Governor Otti’s earlier declaration of a state of emergency in the education sector.
In addition to the education initiative, the government has also announced plans to rehabilitate nine more roads across the state. Specific details regarding these road projects will be released soon as part of the administration’s agenda for broader infrastructural development.
