The Imo State House of Assembly has called on Governor Hope Uzodimma to introduce a free and compulsory education policy across all public primary and secondary schools in the state.
The lawmakers made the appeal on Tuesday following a motion sponsored by Hon. Chisom Ojukwu (APC–Nkwere), who highlighted the growing difficulty faced by rural families in funding their children’s education despite government interventions.
Ojukwu noted that poverty and lack of access had led to rising school dropout rates, stressing that a state-backed education policy was crucial to reversing the trend. He praised the Federal Government’s student loan scheme but insisted that Imo State must take additional steps to support and sensitize residents on available opportunities.
He urged the state government to formulate a clear policy on free and compulsory basic and secondary education, establish an education trust fund under Imo’s ten-year development plan, and equip public schools with computers, Internet access, and other digital tools to promote modern learning.
Ojukwu also proposed that student loan help desks be set up in all local government areas to guide applicants and expand access to educational support programmes. According to him, digital learning facilities would empower pupils with essential ICT skills, preparing them for an innovation-driven economy.
Supporting the motion, Hon. Kingsley Ozurumba (APC–Isu) said the state had the capacity to establish an education trust fund, emphasizing that digital literacy must be prioritized to drive sustainable development.
Hon. Uba Esile (APC–Onuimo) commended the initiative, saying its implementation would yield far-reaching benefits for the state, while Hon. Dominic Ezerioha (APC–Oru West) noted that help desks in schools would enhance the effective rollout of the loan scheme.
Following unanimous approval, Speaker Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe (Ihitte Uboma) ruled in favor of the motion and directed the Clerk to transmit the Assembly’s resolutions to Governor Uzodimma, the Ministries of Education and Finance, as well as other relevant agencies for prompt action.