The Abia State government has announced that starting January 1, 2025, it will be an offence for parents in the state to fail to send their children or wards to school.
Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, announced on Monday during a press briefing at the Government House in Umuahia, following this week’s State Executive Council meeting, chaired by Governor Alex Otti.
Kanu explained that this measure is part of ongoing educational reforms in Abia State.
He emphasized that poverty will no longer be accepted as a reason for failing to provide free, basic education to children in the state, urging parents to take full advantage of the tuition-free policy.
He warned that parents who do not comply will face prosecution under the Abia State Child’s Law of 2006.
“In line with the Abia State Child’s 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 till the end of Junior Secondary School. There is no reason whatsoever why parents will not send their children to school.
“So, as from the first of January, 2025 when this policy will fully come into effect, defaulting parents will be prosecuted under that law,” he disclosed.
The Commissioner reaffirmed that the decision to relocate the Umuahia campus of Abia State University to the main campus in Uturu is final. However, he assured all concerned stakeholders that any concerns or anxieties stemming from this decision would be fully addressed.
He also noted that Governor Otti has instructed the state Commissioner for Works to promptly repair the deteriorating flyover at Osisioma, constructed by the previous administration, to ensure the safety of Abians and other road users.
