The Abia State government has expressed her readiness and commitment to ensuring that basic education in public schools remains both free and mandatory, warning that any individual found extorting money from parents for pupil enrollment will face severe legal consequences from the government.
This declaration was made by Lady Lydia Onuoha, the Executive Chairman of the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), during an event focused on enrolling 29 out-of-school children at Community Primary School in Umuala-Nsulu, Isialangwa North LGA.
The event, which also marked the launch of the Education Trust Fund intended to support these pupils, was facilitated by the non-governmental organization Caritas Nigeria, in collaboration with the state Ministries of Education, Women Affairs, ASUBEB, and the Justice Development and Peace Commission.
Onuoha, represented by ASUBEB director Mrs. Nnenna Okenwa stated that Governor Alex Otti’s administration is actively working round the clock on plans to improve public schools to elevate them to a standard comparable with the top private institutions in the state.
“Governor Otti is committed to ensuring basic education is free and compulsory. Any instance where a child is asked to pay money to attend school will not be tolerated by the government,” she stated.
He also added that significant efforts are underway to renovate schools, promising that soon public educational facilities in Abia State will be unrecognizable due to massive improvements. Plans for enhancing school security, including fencing and necessary teaching resources, are also on top of the agenda according to him.
Mrs. Naomi Thompson, a Technical Officer with Caritas Nigeria, underscored the NGO’s 14-year commitment to partnering with schools and community stakeholders via a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at reintegrating out-of-school children into the education system.
In addition ,Mr. Godspower Ahuama, Chairman of the School Management Committee beckoned on the government and affluent individuals to focus on addressing the issues faced by underprivileged children and to improve the infrastructure and teacher shortages in public schools.
Ttraditional ruler of the community, HRH Eze Patrick Anaba, along with the school’s headmistress, Mrs. Nwakpa Nwolorondu, and the pupils’ parents expressed their gratitude for the initiative and pledged to contribute materials to support the students from their local government area.
