Abia Declares Free Education For All, To Prosecute Defaulting Parents

Abia State government has declared free education for all children, from primary one to junior secondary school three, in all public schools, starting January 2025.

But that’s not all – parents and guardians who fail to enroll their children in school will face prosecution, as it’s now an offense under the Abia Child’s Rights Law 2006.

The policy, set to commence by January 2025, will provide free education from primary one to Junior Secondary School three in all public schools regardless of their state of origin.

According to Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, parents and guardians who fail to comply with the new policy will face prosecution.

He made the disclosure while briefing the press after the State Executive Council meeting.

“In line with the Abia State Child’s Rights 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 to the end of Junior Secondary School. There is no reason whatsoever why parents will not send their children to school.

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“So, from the first of January 2025 when this policy will fully come into effect, defaulting parents will be prosecuted under that law.

“This policy is in fulfilment of what the educational sector represents for this government. Recall that at the inception of this administration, a state of emergency was declared in the educational sector,” Kanu said.

In addition to the free education policy, the government has also awarded contracts for the rehabilitation of nine additional roads in different parts of the state. However, the Commissioner promised to provide details of the new road projects later.