The Abia State Government has introduced a set of education reforms aimed at strengthening standards, reducing financial pressure on parents and improving accountability across schools in the state.
The reforms, which affect both public and private schools according to the directive, include a cap of ₦2,000 on fees for the First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC), restrictions on transfers between Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2) and SS3, and new requirements for students progressing to SS3.
Under the new measures, schools are not expected to charge more than ₦2,000 for the First School Leaving Certificate issued to pupils completing Primary 6.
The government also directed that students would no longer be permitted to transfer from one school to another between SS2 and SS3. Students are expected to remain in the schools where they completed SS2 for their subsequent WAEC or NECO examinations.
Another major provision is the introduction of a centralised state promotion examination for SS2 students. Students seeking promotion to SS3 would be required to pass the examination before they can proceed and be registered for external examinations.
The reforms also place restrictions on elaborate graduation ceremonies for nursery and lower-primary pupils. Under the reported directive, graduation ceremonies would be limited to Primary 6 and SS3, with schools expected to discourage costly celebrations for pupils in lower classes.
In addition, schools have been directed to encourage the reuse of textbooks by prohibiting students from writing assignments directly inside textbooks. The measure is intended to allow textbooks to be passed on to younger siblings and other students, thereby reducing the cost of purchasing new books.
The government said the measures are intended to promote greater uniformity, accountability and discipline within the education system while addressing practices that place additional financial burdens on families.
The latest directives form part of broader education reforms being implemented by the administration of Governor Alex Otti. The Abia Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has also recently reiterated its policies on free basic education in public schools and issued directives governing approved fees and levies.
The state government has continued to place emphasis on education reform, with the administration previously stating that it is committed to restructuring the sector and improving educational outcomes across Abia.
By Enitan Mudashiru | MUK TV News
