Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has announced measures to prosecute parents who do not send their children and wards to school starting from January 1, 2025.
The Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu gave the announcement at the Government House, Umuahia while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
Kanu, stated that the decision was part of the ongoing reforms in the educational sector of the state, noting that the issue of poverty is no longer a reason for the non-acquisition of free and basic education in Abia State.
While calling on parents to take advantage of the tuition-free policy in the state to send their children and wards to school, warned that defaulting parents would be prosecuted in line with the Abia State Child’s Law 2006.
“In line with the Abia State Child’s 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 till the end of Junior Secondary School. There is no reason whatsoever why parents will not send their children to school.
“So, as from the first of January, 2025 when this policy will fully come into effect, defaulting parents will be prosecuted under that law,” he disclosed.