Starting January 1, 2025, Abia State will prosecute parents who fail to send their children or wards to school, marking a new chapter in the state’s education reform.
Commissioner for Information Okey Kanu announced the policy on Monday at the Government House in Umuahia, following this week’s State Executive Council meeting, chaired by Governor Alex Otti.
Kanu noted that poverty will no longer be accepted as a reason for neglecting education, as the state offers free schooling up to the Junior Secondary level.
He urged parents to utilize this opportunity, warning of legal consequences for those who fail to comply, in line with 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 stated.
Kanu also reaffirmed the state’s decision to relocate the Umuahia campus of Abia State University back to its primary site in Uturu, adding that measures are in place to address stakeholders’ concerns.
He mentioned Governor Otti’s directive to the state Commissioner for Works to expedite repairs on the deteriorating Osisioma flyover, initially built by the previous administration, to ensure public safety.
