Abia State Governor Alex Otti has announced the abolition of all forms of payments in public primary and secondary schools across the state, including levies from Parent-Teacher Associations (PTA).
In a New Year address delivered to the people of Abia on Wednesday, Otti emphasized that beginning January 1, 2025, it will be mandatory for all school-age children to attend school daily.
“As soon as the new school term begins later in the month, it will be unlawful to find any child outside the walls of the classroom during school hours,” the governor declared.
Otti added, “We have stopped all forms of payments in the primary and secondary schools, not even PTA levies should be charged any parent or guardian in any public school in the state.”
To support this policy, an imprest account system has been introduced for headteachers and school principals to manage daily school operations. The governor issued a stern warning to public school administrators and teachers against extorting parents or denying children access to education.
“We shall be strict with enforcement, and it will be a grievous mistake to test our will,” Otti cautioned.
The governor also reiterated his administration’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare of retirees in the state, ensuring that monthly pensions are paid before any serving office holder receives their salary.
