In a decisive move to enhance education and address critical sectors of the economy, the Abia State government, under the leadership of Governor Alex Otti, has announced that starting January 1, 2025, it will be illegal for any parent in the state to neglect to send their children to school.
Additionally, the government has instructed engineers from the Ministry of Works to take immediate action to repair the deteriorating flyover at Osisioma.
This information was shared by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, during a press briefing at the Government House in Umuahia, following the recent State Executive Council meeting led by Governor Otti.
Prince Kanu highlighted that this initiative is part of broader reforms aimed at improving the educational landscape in Abia State. He emphasized that poverty should no longer be an excuse for families not to access free and basic education.
He urged parents to utilize the tuition-free policy available in the state and warned that those who fail to comply will face prosecution under the Abia State Child’s Law of 2006. “According to the Abia State Child’s Law 2006, it is now a legal obligation for parents to ensure their children are enrolled in school,” he stated.
“Education is offered at no cost in Abia State for all children, regardless of their state of origin, until the completion of Junior Secondary School. There should be no reason for parents to withhold their children from school,” he added.
This policy is aligned with the government’s commitment to prioritize education, especially following the declaration of a state of emergency in the educational sector upon taking office.
Regarding the relocation of the Umuahia Campus of Abia State University (ABSU) to its main campus in Uturu, Kanu reaffirmed that this decision is final. “The government’s stance on this order is resolute, as it was made with the university’s overall interests in mind,” he explained.
“The state government will ensure full adherence to this policy, but as a responsive administration, we will engage all stakeholders affected by the relocation to address any concerns they may have,” he added.
In further developments, Governor Otti has tasked the state Commissioner for Works and his engineering team to expedite repairs on the Osisioma flyover.
