The Abia State Government has issued a stern warning to school principals and administrators, threatening immediate dismissal for anyone caught collecting illegal fees in violation of the state’s free education policy. Commissioner for Information Prince Okey Kanu made the announcement following this week’s State Executive Council meeting, reiterating that education remains completely free from primary to junior secondary school (JSS3), with only senior secondary students (SS1-SS3) required to pay a nominal fee of N3,300.
The government revealed it has implemented a new system providing imprest funds to cover schools’ operational expenses, eliminating any justification for unauthorized charges. Commissioner Kanu warned that any school head found violating this policy would face severe consequences, including potential job loss.
In parallel developments, the state is advancing its teacher recruitment drive, having recently concluded verification and interviews for 7,000 qualified candidates, including 180 persons with disabilities. A 30-member panel comprising professors, PhD holders, and senior educationists conducted the rigorous selection process. The government also announced plans for a second recruitment phase to create a reserve pool of qualified teachers.
Simultaneously, the state is preparing to launch a new economic policy mandating the procurement of “Made-in-Abia” products by government agencies. This initiative aims to stimulate local production and cushion the impact of national economic challenges, building on recent engagements with indigenous manufacturers like Ethnorcentrique Limited, promoters of the traditional Akwete fabric.
The state government emphasized these measures demonstrate its commitment to both educational excellence and economic revitalization, with strict enforcement mechanisms in place for both the education and economic policies.
