The Abia State Government has approved funding for the Ministry of Education to support the operational costs of Heads of Schools in the state, aiming to tackle illegal fee collections and reduce pressure on school administrators.
This decision comes in response to allegations that some primary and secondary schools have been charging unauthorized fees to students. During a press briefing at Government House Umuahia following this week’s State Executive Council (SEC) meeting led by Governor Alex Otti, the Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, emphasized that this initiative is part of broader reforms within Abia’s education sector.
“We have previously encountered reports of illegal fee collections, often stemming from pressures faced by school heads. The state government has now taken decisive steps to eliminate this issue by providing necessary funds for primary and secondary school administrators,” Kanu stated.
In addition to addressing school fees, Kanu announced that the government has successfully completed 124 road projects as part of its zero-pothole initiative, with a focus on improving infrastructure in Aba and Umuahia.
He also highlighted ongoing efforts to register all commercial vehicles, tricycles, and motorcycles in Abia to enhance public safety. Kanu urged vehicle owners to comply with the registration process to facilitate enforcement measures.
Uzor Azubuike, Chairman of the Abia State Unified Task Force and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, explained that the vehicle registration policy aims to help security agencies by identifying vehicle owners and operators in the state, thereby assisting in maintaining law and order.
