The Abia State Government has issued a stern warning to school heads and principals, threatening dismissal for anyone found collecting unauthorized fees in public schools, in violation of the state’s free education policy.
Information Commissioner Prince Okey Kanu, speaking after the weekly Executive Council meeting, reiterated that education is free from primary to JSS3, while students in SS1 to SS3 are only required to pay a reduced fee of ₦3,300.
He emphasized that routine school expenses are now covered by government imprest funds, eliminating any excuse for illegal levies, and warned that offenders risk losing their jobs.
Kanu also announced reforms in the education sector, including training for 2,200 teachers by the Education Reformation and Innovation Team (ERIT) and the conclusion of teacher recruitment interviews for 7,000 qualified applicants and 180 persons with disabilities.
In a separate development, the state is set to unveil a policy promoting Made-in-Abia products, aimed at boosting local content and economic resilience. The initiative will prioritize locally sourced goods and services, aligning with Abia’s efforts to cushion the effects of national and global economic challenges.
