Abia State government says it is now an offence for parents in the state not to send their children and wards to school starting from January 1, 2025.

The Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu disclosed this at the Government House, Umuahia, on Monday while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

Kanu, who said that the decision was part of the ongoing reforms in the educational sector of the state, stated that the issue of poverty is no longer a reason for non-acquisition of free and basic education in Abia State.

He stressed the need for parents to take advantage of the tuition-free policy in the state to send their children and wards to school, warning that defaulting parents would be prosecuted in line with 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.

“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.

“So, as from the first of January, 2025 when this policy will fully come into effect, defaulting parents will be prosecuted under that law,” he disclosed.

The Commissioner reiterated that the relocation order of the Umuahia campus of the Abia State University to the mother campus at Uturu remained irreversible but assured all affected stakeholders that fears and anxieties generated by the relocation order would be addressed.

He further stated that Governor Otti has directed the state Commissioner for Works to ensure that the failing flyover at Osisioma, constructed by the immediate past administration, is repaired without delay to safeguard the lives of Abians and other road users.