Governor of Abia State, Chief Alex Otti has declared free and compulsory education for indigenes in the State.
The State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu said, parents and guardian are by this policy urged to comply as the free and compulsory education will take effect from January 2025.
He said, the free education covers primary up to Junior Secondary School (government schools) across the State.
Speaking after the State Executive Council meeting in Umuahia on Tuesday, the Commissioner warned against not sending children to school by any parent or guardian as prosecution awaits them.
“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.
