In a significant policy shift, Abia State, under Governor Alex Otti, has declared free and compulsory education for all children from primary to junior secondary levels, starting in January 2025. This initiative was announced by the State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, after a State Executive Council meeting.

Kanu highlighted the administration's commitment to enhancing access to quality education for young people across Abia. "Education is now free in Abia State up to Junior Secondary School. Parents have no reason not to send their children to school," he stated. He also emphasized that under the Abia State Child’s Rights Law 2006, parents and guardians who fail to enroll their children in school will face legal consequences.

The policy applies to all children residing in Abia, regardless of their state of origin. "It is now an offense for parents to neglect enrolling their children in school," Kanu added, reinforcing the administration's dedication to educational inclusivity and the recent declaration of a state of emergency in the education sector by Gov. Otti.

In addition to the education policy, the government announced plans to rehabilitate nine more roads across the state. Details of these projects will be shared soon as part of the administration’s broader infrastructure development agenda.