The Abia State government has announced the introduction of free and compulsory education for all children in the state, regardless of their state of origin. This initiative, set to begin in January 2025, will cover education from Primary One through Junior Secondary School Three in all public schools.
Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, made the announcement during a press briefing following the State Executive Council meeting. He warned that parents and guardians who fail to comply with this new policy would face legal action, emphasizing, “According to the Abia Child’s Rights Law 2006, it is now an offense for parents not to send their children or wards to school, as education has been made free and compulsory.”
The policy, he noted, aligns with Governor Alex Otti’s commitment to providing quality and accessible education to every child in the state.
Additionally, Kanu confirmed that the relocation of the Law Faculty of Abia State University from the Umuahia campus back to the main Uturu campus is proceeding as planned. He explained that the decision was made with the broader public interest in mind.
Road Rehabilitation and Minimum Wage Implementation
Kanu also announced that contracts have been awarded for the rehabilitation of nine additional roads across the state, with specific project details to be provided soon. Furthermore, he assured that the government would address any issues related to the implementation of the new minimum wage.
Governor Otti has also directed immediate repairs to the failed section of the Osisioma flyover, constructed by the previous administration under Governor Okezie Ikpeazu. Kanu expressed regret that “the flyover, which was a major project of the previous administration, has started deteriorating within two years.”
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, added that while there are multiple widening cracks on the flyover, they “do not currently pose an immediate threat.”