Abia State Governor Alex Otti has introduced free and compulsory education from primary to junior secondary levels for all children in the state, starting January 2025. This policy aims to improve educational access, enforce the Abia Child’s Rights Law, and support infrastructural development to benefit Abia’s youth.
In a transformative policy shift, Abia State Governor Alex Otti has declared free and compulsory education for all children from primary through junior secondary levels, starting January 2025. The initiative, announced by Abia State’s Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, follows a recent State Executive Council meeting and is part of the administration's wider efforts to improve educational access and quality.
The policy mandates that every child residing in Abia, regardless of origin, will have access to free education, which is intended to eliminate financial barriers that keep children out of school. Commissioner Kanu emphasized that parents and guardians who neglect to enroll their children will face legal consequences, by the Abia State Child’s Rights Law of 2006.
Governor Otti’s administration views this policy as a cornerstone of its broader agenda to revitalize Abia’s educational infrastructure and strengthen support for youth development. Additionally, in line with the state’s development goals, the government has approved the rehabilitation of nine roads, aiming to improve connectivity and access to educational facilities.
This education policy is aligned with Governor Otti's declared “state of emergency” in the education sector, seeking to foster inclusivity and create more opportunities for Abia’s youth. The initiative has received widespread attention, with parents, educators, and local leaders expressing optimism for the impact this will have on the community and Abia’s overall development.
