The Abia State Government has officially enforced the law mandating that every child of school age in the state be in school as the new academic term begins today, 1st January 2025, ABN TV reports.
This landmark decision is part of Governor Alex Otti’s administration’s commitment to universal education and improved access to learning opportunities for all children.
In a bid to ease the burden on parents and guardians, the government has also abolished all forms of payments in public schools, including Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) levies. This move is aimed at removing financial barriers to education and ensuring that every child in Abia State receives free and compulsory education.
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Governor Alex Otti, in a statement released earlier today, emphasized the importance of education as a fundamental right and called on parents, guardians, and communities to take full advantage of this initiative.
“This administration is dedicated to ensuring that no child is left out of school due to financial challenges. We are committed to building a brighter future for Abia State through quality and accessible education,” Governor Otti said.
ABN TV recalls that during Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu’s tenure as Governor of Abia State, he introduced free education for primary and secondary schools, a move that laid the foundation for improved literacy levels in the state. Governor Otti’s recent policy echoes and builds upon this legacy by reinforcing the importance of free and accessible education for every child.
Implementing this law is expected to significantly reduce the number of out-of-school children in Abia State and contribute to the state’s overall development.