CurrentReport Blog Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has announced the abolition of all payments, including Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) levies, in public primary and secondary schools across the state. This bold policy, aimed at making education accessible to all, was revealed during the governor’s New Year broadcast on Wednesday.
Free Education for All Students
Governor Otti declared that effective January 2025, it is unlawful for any child of school age to be outside the classroom during school hours. He emphasized:
“We have stopped all forms of payments in primary and secondary schools. Not even PTA levies should be charged to any parent or guardian in any public school in the state.”
To support this initiative, the government has introduced an imprest account system for headteachers and principals to manage day-to-day school operations, ensuring that students are not denied educational opportunities due to financial constraints.
Strict Enforcement Measures
The governor warned public school administrators and teachers against extorting parents or students, stressing that violations would not be tolerated.
“We shall be strict with enforcement, and it will be a grievous mistake to test our will,” Otti cautioned.
Mandatory School Attendance Law
Starting January 1, 2025, all children of school age must attend school every day, with authorities set to enforce the new law strictly.
Retirees to Receive Priority Payments
Governor Otti also reaffirmed his commitment to retirees, pledging that pensions will be prioritized over salaries for serving officeholders.
“Retired workers in the state will always be paid their monthly pensions first before any serving officer receives their salary,” he stated.
