The Abia State government has announced that all students will receive free education up to the secondary school level, starting in January 2025. This initiative aligns with the 2006 Abia State Child Rights Law and reinforces the government’s commitment to ensuring universal access to basic education.

Okey Kanu, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Culture, stated that the policy aims to remove financial barriers to education for children in Abia. He also emphasized that starting in January 2025, parents and guardians who fail to send their children or wards to school will face legal consequences.

Kanu further underscored that non-compliance with the education policy would be considered a punishable offense. “There is no reason why parents should not send their children to school,” he remarked. “Indigency can no longer be an excuse for not accessing free, basic education in Abia State.”

The commissioner clarified that as of January 1, 2025, parents who fail to comply will be prosecuted under the law. This policy is part of broader ongoing educational reforms in the state, which include efforts to improve infrastructure and enhance support for educators.

Kanu also reiterated the government’s commitment to relocating the Umuahia campus of Abia State University to Uturu, as part of its broader educational strategy. He assured that the government would engage with all relevant stakeholders to address any concerns related to this transition.