Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has announced the criminalization of not enrolling school-age children in the state, warning that parents and guardians who fail to comply will face serious penalties.

During the 2024 Children’s Day celebration at Umuahia Township Stadium, Governor Otti stated that this new policy would be backed by legislation from the Abia State House of Assembly, which will prescribe penalties for offenders.

“From now on, it is an offense for any child of school age not to be sent to school,” the Governor declared.