The government of Abia State has launched a groundbreaking initiative offering free and mandatory education to all children residing in the state, regardless of their place of origin, SAVANNAH NEWSNOW REPORTS.
This initiative, set to commence in January 2025, will encompass education from Primary One to Junior Secondary School Three in all government-funded schools.
Following a meeting of the State Executive Council, Prince Okey Kanu, the Commissioner for Information, issued a statement to the press, warning that legal measures will be taken against parents or guardians who do not comply with this new policy.
“In line with the Abia State Child’s Rights Law 2006, it will now be an offence for parents not to send their children and wards to school in Abia State.
“Education is free in Abia State up to the end of Junior Secondary School. There is no reason whatsoever why parents will not send their children to school.
“So, from the first of January 2025 when this policy will fully come into effect, defaulting parents will be prosecuted under that law.
“This policy is in fulfilment of what the educational sector represents for this government. Recall that at the inception of this administration, a state of emergency was declared in the educational sector,” Kanu said.
In addition to the free education policy, the government has also awarded contracts for the rehabilitation of nine additional roads in different parts of the state. However, the Commissioner promised to provide details of the new road projects later.
