The Abia State government has reaffirmed that basic education in public schools remains free and compulsory, warning that anyone found extorting money from parents for pupil enrollment will face legal consequences.
This was revealed by the Executive Chairman of the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Lady Lydia Onuoha, during the enrollment of 29 out-of-school children at Community Primary School, Umuala-Nsulu in Isialangwa North LGA.
The event, which also marked the launch of the Education Trust Fund to support the students, was organized by the NGO ‘Caritas Nigeria’ in partnership with the state Ministries of Education and Women Affairs, ASUBEB, and the Justice Development and Peace Commission.
Onuoha, represented by ASUBEB Director Mrs. Nnenna Okenwa, noted that Governor Alex Otti’s administration is working to ensure that public schools are upgraded to compete with the best private schools in the state.
She said, “Governor Otti is insisting that basic education must be free and compulsory, so if anybody is asking any child to bring money to be able to remain in school, the government will frown at it.
“The state government is doing a lot of reconstruction in our schools, and very soon when you see the public schools in Abia State, you will not recognize them again. The security of schools through fencing and other facilities that are needed for effective teaching and learning will be made available in our schools.”
Also speaking, Mrs. Naomi Thompson, the Technical Officer of the Orphan and Vulnerable Children unit at Caritas Nigeria, stated that the NGO, which has been operating for 14 years, is collaborating with schools and key stakeholders from ministries and communities through a Memorandum of Understanding to enroll out-of-school children back into the education system.
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She said, “Our vision as an implementing organization in Abia State is to create a world where everyone enjoys the fullness of life. So, Hopespring Development Initiative has come to partner Caritas Nigeria to pay the first school leaving certificate examination fee for primary six pupils in Umuola Community Primary School. This is to appreciate your great work and commitment as a school and as a community.”
The School Management Committee Chairman, Mr. Godspower Ahuama, urged the government and well-to-do individuals to seek solutions to the challenges faced by underprivileged children, including the deteriorating infrastructure and shortage of teachers in public schools.
The traditional ruler of the community, Eze Patrick Anaba, along with the headmistress of the school, Mrs. Nwakpa Nwolorondu, and the pupils’ parents, expressed their joy over the initiative and pledged to provide additional learning materials to support students in the local government area.
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