The Abia State government has announced that, starting January 1, 2025, parents who fail to send their children to school will face legal action, in line with the state’s Child’s Law 2006.

Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, stated that this mandate supports the state’s tuition-free education policy up to junior secondary school, ensuring no child is excluded due to financial hardship.

The announcement followed Governor Alex Otti’s ongoing education and infrastructure reform efforts. Alongside the education mandate, the governor has directed engineers to urgently repair the Osisioma flyover, which has shown signs of failure since its completion two years ago. Additionally, the administration has approved the reconstruction of nine roads to enhance road infrastructure across the state.