Abia State Government Declares Free, Mandatory Basic Education
The Abia State government has reaffirmed its commitment to providing free and compulsory basic education in public schools, warning against any attempts to extort parents for enrollment fees.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
The Abia State government has reiterated its commitment to providing free and compulsory basic education in public schools. Any individual found extorting parents for school enrollment fees will face legal consequences, according to Lady Lydia Onuoha, Executive Chairman of the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB).
Onuoha made the announcement during an event at Community Primary School in Umuala-Nsulu, Isialangwa North Local Government Area, where 29 out-of-school children were enrolled. The event was part of a larger initiative to address educational disparities, organized in collaboration with Caritas Nigeria, the Ministries of Education and Women Affairs, ASUBEB, and the Justice Development and Peace Commission.
Governor Alex Otti’s administration has prioritized improving public schools, with plans to bring them up to the standard of top private institutions. Onuoha, represented by ASUBEB Director Mrs. Nnenna Okenwa, emphasized that any form of financial demand for school attendance would not be tolerated. "Governor Otti is determined to ensure that every child in Abia State has access to free basic education," she stated.
Efforts to improve public school infrastructure are already underway, with renovations and security upgrades in the pipeline. The state is also addressing issues such as teacher shortages and the need for educational resources.
Mrs. Naomi Thompson, a Technical Officer with Caritas Nigeria, highlighted the organization’s ongoing partnership with the state to reintegrate out-of-school children into the education system. Caritas Nigeria has committed to covering the primary school leaving certificate fees for students at Umuala Community Primary School. "Our goal is to foster an environment in Abia State where everyone can fully enjoy life," Thompson said.
Community leaders, including the traditional ruler, Eze Patrick Anaba, and the school’s headmistress, Mrs. Nwakpa Nwolorondu, praised the initiative. They, along with parents, expressed their gratitude and pledged to contribute materials to support local students.
The Abia State government is determined to make basic education accessible to all, taking significant steps to ensure that no child is left behind.
