Governor Alex Otti of Abia State announced that non-enrollment of school-age children a criminal offense, warning of severe penalties for parents and guardians who do not send their children to school.
This announcement was made at the 2024 Children’s Day event at Umuahia Township Stadium.
Governor Otti emphasised that the new policy would be backed up by legislation from the Abia State House of Assembly outlining precise penalties for violators.
He stated that it is now mandatory for all school-age children to attend school, and legal measures will be put in place to ensure compliance.
To ensure that financial constraints do not hinder any child’s education, Governor Otti announced the creation of scholarships for children from economically disadvantaged families.
He promised that every school-age child in Abia State would have the opportunity to attend school without fear of marginalization or harassment.
Additionally, Governor Otti abolished the payment of levies for special books by students at the School for the Blind in Afaraukwu and donated a bus to the institution.
During the event, the governor was visibly emotional as he addressed the plight of children with special needs, such as the deaf.
He expressed deep sorrow over the conditions they have faced and apologized to the children of Abia State for the shortcomings of previous administrations, which included unpaid teacher salaries and neglected school environments.
Governor Otti’s new policy marks a significant step towards improving educational access and support for all children in Abia State.