In a significant move to enhance access to education, the Abia State government has announced a policy that will provide free and compulsory education for all children within the state, irrespective of their state of origin.
The new initiative, set to take effect in January 2025, will cover all public schools, ensuring that every child, from primary one to Junior Secondary School (JSS) three, can receive an education at no cost.
Prince Okey Kanu, the Commissioner for Information, revealed the details of the policy during a press briefing following the State Executive Council meeting. He emphasized that the policy aims to promote educational inclusivity, offering equal opportunities for all children in the state, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status.
Kanu further stated that, under this policy, parents and guardians who fail to comply with the new education mandate will face legal consequences. In accordance with the Abia State Child’s Rights Law of 2006, it will now be considered an offense for parents to neglect their responsibility to send their children to school. “Education is free in Abia State until the end of Junior Secondary School. There is absolutely no reason why parents should not ensure their children are in school,” Kanu asserted.
The policy aims to fulfill the administration’s commitment to improving the state’s educational system. Kanu reminded the public that a state of emergency was declared in the educational sector at the start of this administration, signaling a strong desire to reform and develop the sector. The new free education initiative is a direct reflection of this goal.
From January 2025, the Abia State government will ensure that children in the state have the opportunity to attend school without financial barriers. The government has also warned that parents who do not comply with the policy will face prosecution under the provisions of the state’s Child’s Rights Law.
In addition to the education policy, the state government has made strides in infrastructure development. The Commissioner announced that contracts have been awarded for the rehabilitation of nine major roads across different parts of the state, aimed at improving transportation and accessibility. However, Kanu stated that more details on the road projects will be provided in due course.
This bold step by the Abia State government represents a major investment in the future of its children, ensuring that education becomes a right, not a privilege, for every child in the state.
