Abia State has declared free and compulsory education for all primary and junior secondary school children, regardless of their state of origin, beginning in January 2025. This sweeping policy aims to eliminate barriers to education for children across the state and will cover all students from Primary One through Junior Secondary School Three in public schools.
The announcement was made by Abia’s Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, following a State Executive Council meeting. Kanu warned that parents and guardians who fail to send their children to school under this new policy will face prosecution, referencing the Abia Child’s Rights Law of 2006. “It’s now an offense for parents not to send their children or wards to school because the government has made education free and compulsory,” Kanu said.
This initiative is part of Governor Alex Otti’s commitment to improving access to quality and affordable education in the state. The state government also confirmed plans to relocate the Law Faculty of Abia State University from its Umuahia campus back to the main campus in Uturu, citing public interest as the main reason for the decision.
In addition to the education reform, the state has announced plans for infrastructure improvements. Contracts have been awarded for the rehabilitation of nine roads in various parts of Abia, with more details to follow. In response to issues with the Osisioma flyover, built during the previous administration, the governor has directed immediate repairs on its failing sections. According to Kanu, the flyover, touted as a signature project by former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s administration, began showing structural failures within just two years.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, noted that while widening cracks on the flyover are concerning, they do not yet pose an immediate risk to safety.
