In a move reminiscent of the Lateef Jakande administration in Lagos State during the Second Republic (1979-1983), the Abia State Government has announced a groundbreaking initiative for free and compulsory education for all children, regardless of their state of origin.
This announcement was made by Prince Okey Kanu, the state commissioner for information, during a press briefing following a meeting of the state executive council. Kanu emphasized that the new education policy mandates that all children of school age must attend school and warned parents and guardians against any violations of this directive. He reiterated that children should not be found on the streets engaging in hawking or other forms of labor.
Under this new policy, parents and guardians who fail to comply will face prosecution under the Abia Child’s Rights Law of 2006. Effective January 1, 2025, it will be considered an offense for parents in the state not to ensure their children and wards are enrolled in school.
