The Abia State Government has stated that basic education in public schools remains free of charge and compulsory, warning that anyone caught extorting money from any child before enrolling him will face the full wrath of the law.
This was made known by the Executive Chairman, Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Lady Lydia Onuoha, during a handover ceremony of enrollment of 29 Out-of-School children and flooring of Classroom blocks of the Community Primary School Umuala-Nsulu Isialangwa North LGA.
The event which featured the flag-off of the Education Trust Fund to support the pupils, was organised by ‘Caritas Nigeria’ in collaboration with the State Ministries of Education, Women Affairs, ASUBEB, and Justice Development and Peace Commission.
Lady Onuoha, represented by a Director, Mrs Nnenna Okenwa, says plans are underway by the Alex Otti’s administration to ensure that all public schools are put in place to compete favourably with the best private schools in the State.
“The Governor Alex Chioma Otti is consolidating the fact that basic education must be free and compulsory. If anybody is asking any child to bring something for you to be in school, the government will frown at it.
“Very soon, when you see the public schools in Abia state, you may not recognize them again including your own school.
“Perimetered Fencing, structures including other facilities and everything that you need, there are plans to make sure that they are provided,” She said.
Also speaking, the Technical Officer under the OVC unit of Caritas Nigeria, Mrs Naomi Thompson, said the NGO which has been in operation for 14 years is partnering schools and stakeholders from the Ministries and Communities through a MOU to enroll out of school children back to Schools
“Our vision as an implementing organization in Abia state is to create an environment, to create a world where everyone enjoys the fullness of life.
“So HopeSpring Development Initiative has come to partner with JDPC and Caritas Nigeria to pay the first school leaving certificate exam fee for Umuala Community Primary School. This is to appreciate your growth, work and commitment as a community and as a school”, Mrs. Thompson said.
On his part, the School Management Committee Chairman, Mr Godspower Ahuama, called on government and other well to do individuals to look inwards towards offering solutions to the less privileged children and to address the dilapidated state of infrastructure and lack of teachers in the public schools
Traditional ruler of the community Eze Patrick Anaba, Headmistress of the School Mrs Nwakpa Nwolorondu and parents of the pupils who were filled with joy, pledge to support pupils from the LGA with other Learning Materials.