The Abia State Government is sending out a strong message to school principals and headteachers—stop collecting illegal fees or risk losing your job!
Governor Alex Otti’s administration is doubling down on its free education policy, ensuring that every child in the state gets access to quality education without financial barriers.
During a media briefing after the State Executive Council meeting, Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, emphasized that education from Primary 1 to JSS3 is completely free in all public schools. For students in SS1 to SS3, there’s only a minimal tuition fee of N3,300.
But here’s the catch: some school heads have been sneaking in illegal charges. The government says, “Enough is enough!”
“Any principal or school head caught collecting unauthorized fees will face severe punishment, including dismissal,” Prince Kanu warned.
To make things easier, the state has started providing imprest funds to schools to cover their basic running costs—so there’s no excuse for illegal collections.
Big Moves in Education: Training and Recruitment Underway
The government is also investing in quality education. Through its Education Reformation and Innovation Team (ERIT), over 2,200 teachers will undergo fresh training to boost their teaching skills and improve student learning outcomes.
The teacher recruitment process is also in its final stages. Out of thousands of applicants:
- 7,000 candidates who scored 45% and above, plus 180 persons with disabilities, have already been interviewed.
- Applicants scoring 40–44% are on a reserve list, just in case of dropouts or disqualifications.
And get this: a 30-member panel made up of top academics—6 professors, 16 PhD holders, and seasoned educators—handled the recruitment process to keep standards high.
Good news for aspiring teachers: another round of recruitment is coming soon, offering a second chance to those who missed the first phase.
Made-in-Abia Products Take Center Stage
In another exciting development, the Abia State Government is r
olling out a bold new economic and business policy to promote Made-in-Abia goods and services.
This initiative supports the local content law, meaning state resources will now prioritize locally made products—from clothing to everyday essentials.
“We’re taking st
eps to reduce dependence on outside markets and strengthen our local economy,” said Prince Kanu.
This move follows Governor Otti’s recent meeting with Ethnorcentrique Limited, a company championing handmade Akwete fabrics. The gove
rnor pledged to support local artisans and promote their crafts across the state.
Once the new policy becomes active, expect to see more Abia-made goods in government offices, public events, and beyond.
Bottom Line?
The Otti-led government is serious about:
- Providing free and fair education for every child,
- Uplifting teachers and learning standards,
- And boosting the local economy by backing homegrown businesses.
So, to school heads and principals—don’t mess with the system. Focus on shaping minds, not collecting bribes.
And to every Abian—better days are here!
