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Otti Affirms Commitment to Free, Compulsory Basic Education

...promises upgrades for all public schools

Published

Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at 11:47 AM

Written by Omotola Adeleke

Otti Affirms Commitment to Free, Compulsory Basic Education

The Abia State government has reaffirmed that basic education in public schools is free and compulsory, warning that anyone found extorting money from parents before enrolling students will face severe legal consequences.

Lady Lydia Onuoha, the Executive Chairman of the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board, made this announcement during the enrollment of 29 out-of-school children at Community Primary School in Umuala-Nsulu, Isialangwa North LGA.

The event, which marked the launch of the Education Trust Fund to support the pupils, was organized by the non-governmental organization ‘Caritas Nigeria’ in partnership with the state Ministries of Education, Women Affairs, ASUBEB, and the Justice Development and Peace Commission.

Onuoha, represented by ASUBEB director Mrs. Nnenna Okenwa, announced that Governor Alex Otti’s administration is working on plans to upgrade all public schools to compete effectively with the top private schools in the state.

She stated, "Governor Otti insists that basic education must be free and compulsory, stating that any demands for money from children to remain in school will not be tolerated by the government.

“The state government is undertaking significant renovations in our schools, and soon you won’t recognize the public schools in Abia State. We will enhance school security through fencing and provide other necessary facilities for effective teaching and learning.

"Before long, when you see the public schools in Abia State, including your own, you might not recognize them." She added.

Additionally, Mrs. Naomi Thompson, the Technical Officer for the Orphan and Vulnerable Children unit of Caritas Nigeria, mentioned that the NGO, which has been active for 14 years, is collaborating with schools and stakeholders from various ministries and communities through a Memorandum of Understanding to help enroll out-of-school children.

She stated that the vision for them as an implementing organization in Abia State is to create a world where everyone can enjoy a fulfilling life. Hopespring Development Initiative has partnered with Caritas Nigeria to cover the first school leaving certificate examination fees for primary six pupils at Umuola Community Primary School. This initiative recognizes the hard work and dedication of the school and the community.”

In response, Mr. Godspower Ahuama, the School Management Committee Chairman, urged the government and well-meaning individuals to seek solutions for the challenges faced by underprivileged children, particularly addressing the dilapidated infrastructure and shortage of teachers in public schools.

The traditional ruler of the community, Eze Patrick Anaba, joined by the school’s headmistress, Mrs. Nwakpa Nwolorondu, and the parents of the pupils, expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the generous gesture. They acknowledged the importance of supporting education in the local government area and committed to providing additional learning materials to enhance the students' learning experience.

They noted that this collaboration reflects their dedication to improving educational opportunities and ensuring that every child has the resources they need to succeed in their studies.

Edited By: Chinedu Eze

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Otti Affirms Commitment to Free, Compulsory Basic Education

The Abia State government has reaffirmed that basic education in public schools is free and compulsory, warning that anyone found extorting money from parents before enrolling students will face severe legal consequences.

Lady Lydia Onuoha, the Executive Chairman of the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board, made this announcement during the enrollment of 29 out-of-school children at Community Primary School in Umuala-Nsulu, Isialangwa North LGA.

The event, which marked the launch of the Education Trust Fund to support the pupils, was organized by the non-governmental organization ‘Caritas Nigeria’ in partnership with the state Ministries of Education, Women Affairs, ASUBEB, and the Justice Development and Peace Commission.

Onuoha, represented by ASUBEB director Mrs. Nnenna Okenwa, announced that Governor Alex Otti’s administration is working on plans to upgrade all public schools to compete effectively with the top private schools in the state.

She stated, "Governor Otti insists that basic education must be free and compulsory, stating that any demands for money from children to remain in school will not be tolerated by the government.

“The state government is undertaking significant renovations in our schools, and soon you won’t recognize the public schools in Abia State. We will enhance school security through fencing and provide other necessary facilities for effective teaching and learning.

"Before long, when you see the public schools in Abia State, including your own, you might not recognize them." She added.

In response, Mr. Godspower Ahuama, the School Management Committee Chairman, urged the government and well-meaning individuals to seek solutions for the challenges faced by underprivileged children, particularly addressing the dilapidated infrastructure and shortage of teachers in public schools.

They noted that this collaboration reflects their dedication to improving educational opportunities and ensuring that every child has the resources they need to succeed in their studies.

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