Abia State Announces Free Education Initiative
In a groundbreaking move, the Abia State government has introduced a policy for free and compulsory education for all children, regardless of background or origin. The new policy, set to commence in January 2025, mandates that all children from Primary One through Junior Secondary School in public schools must attend school without cost, emphasising Abia’s commitment to accessible education for every child.
Policy Implementation and Scope
The announcement was delivered by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, following a State Executive Council meeting. According to Kanu, this new education policy is a core part of the Alex Otti administration’s agenda to support quality education across the state. The policy aims to address educational inequality and ensure that children from all socio-economic backgrounds have access to learning opportunities, providing a crucial step toward reducing the high rate of out-of-school children in Abia.
Consequences for Non-Compliance
In addition to making education free, the Abia State government has introduced measures to enforce this policy. Parents and guardians who neglect to enrol their children in school will face legal action under the Abia Child’s Rights Law of 2006. This approach, as Kanu highlighted, makes it a legal requirement for parents to prioritise their children’s education. “It’s now an offence for parents not to send their children or wards to school because the government has made education free and compulsory,” he stated.
Reducing Out-of-School Children
The policy is part of a broader state initiative aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school children, a persistent issue in Nigeria. According to a UNICEF report, Nigeria has one of the highest numbers of out-of-school children worldwide, with approximately 10.5 million children aged 5-14 not in school. By implementing this policy, Abia hopes to contribute significantly to reducing these figures within the state.
Addressing Educational Inequality
Abia’s free education policy also tackles educational inequality by making schooling accessible to all children, thereby enhancing literacy rates and fostering a more educated youth population. By targeting disparities in educational access, the administration aims to cultivate a generation of informed citizens capable of contributing to societal development and progress.
Broader Implications for Nigeria
Abia’s initiative may set a precedent for other states in Nigeria, especially given the country’s ongoing challenges with educational accessibility. UNICEF reports that attendance rates in northern Nigeria are particularly low, with only 53% of children attending primary school. Abia’s model offers a potentially transformative approach that could inspire similar policies nationwide, fostering a more inclusive educational landscape for all Nigerian children.
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