The Abia State government has announced a groundbreaking initiative to provide free, compulsory education for all children, effective January 2025. This policy will cover primary through Junior Secondary School 3 in all public schools, benefiting children regardless of their background or origin.

The announcement was made by Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, following a State Executive Council meeting. Kanu stressed that parents or guardians who fail to enroll their children will face legal action under the Abia State Child’s Rights Law of 2006.

“Starting January 1, 2025, it will be illegal for parents in Abia State not to send their children to school,” Kanu stated. “With education now accessible at no cost, there is no valid reason for children to remain out of school.”

The policy reflects the government’s commitment to educational reform, following an earlier declaration of a state of emergency in the sector. Alongside this initiative, the government has announced new road rehabilitation projects, with contracts awarded for nine additional roads across the state, signaling further infrastructure development to support the policy.