Parents or Guardians who Fail to Enroll Wards in Abia Free Education Risk Jail Term, State Govt Says
Abia State Government has announced that it will prosecute parents or guardians who fail to enroll their children or wards in school, as part of the state’s Free and Compulsory Education policy.
This policy, which starts January 2025, provides free education from primary one to junior secondary school three in all public schools, regardless of state of origin.
Commissioner for Information Prince Okey Kanu emphasized that with education being free, poverty is no longer an excuse for not accessing basic education in Abia State. Parents or guardians who fail to comply will face prosecution under the Abia Child’s Rights Law 2006.
He disclosed this on Monday while briefing the press after the State’s Weekly Executive Council meeting outcome by Governor Alex Otti, said that parents and guardians who flouted the new policy would face prosecution.
He added that the policy is under the quest by the Gov. Alex Otti-led administration, to deliver quality and affordable education to the state.
“ In line with the Abia Child’s Rights Law 2006, it’s now an offence for parents not to send their children or wards to school because Government has made education free and compulsory”, Kanu warned
“Education is free in Abia State till the end of Junior Secondary School. There is no reason whatsoever why parents will not send their children to school.
“So, as from the first of January, 2025 when this policy will fully come into effect, defaulting parents will be prosecuted under that law,” he disclosed.
Kanu noted that the decision was part of the ongoing reforms in the educational sector of the state, that the issue of poverty is no longer a reason for the non-acquisition of free and basic education in Abia State.
He stressed the need for parents to take advantage of the tuition-free policy in the state to send their children and wards to school, warning that defaulting parents would be prosecuted in line with the Abia State Child’s Law 2006.
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Jerome Kalu
Jerome Kalu is currently the Senior Correspondent of PIJAlance in Lagos. He was previously the Campus Information Desk (CID) Editor.