Abia: Starting 2025, not sending kids to school by parents becomes offence

Abia State government has said that not sending kids to school by parents becomes a punishable offence starting January 1, 2025.

According to the Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), the Abia State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Okey Kanu, revealed the latest development at the government house, Umuahia, during a press briefing on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting, which was chaired by Governor Alex Otti.

Kanu during the briefing announced that poverty will no longer hinder access to free and basic education in Abia.

He stated “the decision is part of the ongoing reforms in the educational sector, aimed at improving the quality of education and making it more accessible to all.”

The commissioner stressed that the government emphasizes the importance of parents utilizing the tuition-free policy in Abia State.

“Those who fail to enroll their children may face prosecution, as outlined in the Abia State Child’s Law 2006.”

“Starting January 1, 2025, not sending kids to school will be considered an offense under the Abia State Child’s Law 2006.”

Kanu emphasized that “the law aims to safeguard every child’s right to education, tackling poverty and fostering social equality.”

“Essentially, it ensures kids receive the protection and care necessary for their well-being, including survival and development rights.”

“Education is absolutely free in Abia State, Nigeria, from primary school all the way up to the end of Junior Secondary School.”

“Parents have zero excuses for not sending their kids to school.”

“By making education free, the government eliminates financial obstacles, ensuring every child can access quality education without financial constraints.”

“From January 1, 2025, parents who neglect to comply with this policy will be prosecuted,” Kanu disclosed.

Besides, Kanu reaffirmed that the relocation of Abia State University’s Umuahia campus to its main campus in Uturu is final and non-negotiable.

Also, he reassured everyone involved that the government will address the concerns and worries that have arisen from this decision.

In addition, the commissioner disclosed that Governor Alex Otti has ordered immediate repairs on the failing Osisioma flyover, which was built by the previous administration, to ensure the safety of people of Abia and all road users.

Know more about the “Abia State Child’s Law 2006”

The Abia State Child’s Law 2006 is a legislation aimed at protecting and promoting the welfare of children in Abia State, Nigeria.

According to the law, parents who fail to enroll their children in school will be prosecuted starting from January 1, 2025. The provision emphasizes the importance of education for all children.

Key Provisions

The law provides that education is compulsory. Parents are required to send their children to school.

It stated that there will be prosecution for non-compliance. Failure to comply will result in prosecution, effective January 1, 2025.

The Abia State Child’s Law 2006 is part of the state’s efforts to ensure children’s rights are protected and their well-being is prioritized.

Abia State Efforts to Prioritize Education

The Abia State government has made significant strides in prioritizing education and child welfare.

Key Initiatives

The state government provides compulsory free education. Basic education in public schools remains free of charge and compulsory.

It launched the deworming program for 60,000 school children to address malnutrition caused by worm infestation.

The government is currently set for Education Sector Reforms. Plans are underway to reform the education sector, including re-accreditation of private schools to meet required standards.

The state provides support for orphans and vulnerable children, including a school block grant.

Know about Abia State government

Abia State government is led by a democratically elected Governor who works closely with members of the state’s House of Assembly.

The current governor is Alex Otti of the Labor Party Nigeria (LP), who emerged victorious in the 2023 elections.

Structure of Government

The state government is divided into 17 local government areas, each with its own administrative structure.

Economic Development

Abia State has a rich economy, driven primarily by crude oil and natural gas production, which contributes over 39% of the state’s GDP.

The state is also known for its agricultural produce, including yams, maize, potatoes, rice, cashews, plantains, taro, and cassava.

Infrastructure

The state has invested heavily in infrastructure development, including the construction of a 9,000 capacity multipurpose International Conference Centre in Umuahia.

Abia has several universities, including the federal-owned Michael Okpara University of Agriculture at Umudike and the state-owned Abia State University in Uturu.

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