Abia State to prosecute parents who refuse to send children to school

The Abia State government has announced that, starting from 1 January 2025, it will be an offence for parents in the state not to enrol their children and wards in school.

Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, made this announcement at the Government House in Umuahia on Monday, while briefing journalists on the outcomes of this week’s State Executive Council meeting, led by Governor Alex Otti.

Kanu stated that this decision is part of the ongoing educational reforms in Abia and emphasised that financial hardship will no longer be accepted as an excuse for not securing “free and basic education” for children in the state.

He urged parents to utilise the state’s tuition-free policy to send their children to school, warning that those who fail to comply will be prosecuted under the “Abia State Child’s Law 2006.”

“In line with the Abia State Child’s Law 2006, it will now be an offence for parents not to send their children and wards to school in Abia State,” Kanu said.

“Education is free in Abia State up till the end of Junior Secondary School. There is no reason whatsoever why parents will not send their children to school.”

He added that, from 1 January 2025, the policy will be fully implemented, and defaulting parents will face legal action.

Additionally, Kanu confirmed that the relocation of the Umuahia campus of Abia State University to its main campus at Uturu remains in effect. He reassured stakeholders that their concerns about this move will be addressed.

Kanu also stated that Governor Otti has instructed the Commissioner for Works to urgently repair the deteriorating flyover at Osisioma, which was constructed by the previous administration, in order to ensure the safety of residents and other road users.