Abia Govt Rallies Stakeholders to Drive Education Reform

Abia Govt Rallies Stakeholders to Drive Education Reform

The Abia State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has convened a strategic stakeholders’ meeting aimed at aligning efforts to advance the state’s ongoing education reform agenda.

The high-level meeting, held at the Ministry’s Conference Hall in Umuahia, brought together key representatives from WAEC, NECO, ANCOPSS, NUT, PTA, AFED, NASU, STEM organizations, faith-based groups, publishers, Local Government Education Secretaries, Supervisory Councillors, and heads of relevant departments and parastatals.

In his opening address, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Chinedu Ubochi, reiterated the government’s commitment to overhauling the education sector. He emphasized the importance of stakeholder collaboration, noting that a series of transformative initiatives are underway to improve both the quality and accessibility of education across the state.

Addressing recent speculation, Elder Ubochi dismissed reports suggesting that ₦54 billion had been earmarked for renovation projects. He clarified that although no such figure was approved, rehabilitation work is actively ongoing in 221 schools, with many expected to be commissioned before schools reopen.

The Commissioner also announced plans to distribute new classroom furniture after resumption and confirmed Governor Alex Otti’s approval for the establishment of standard libraries in all 184 wards of the state before the year’s end.

He revealed that the Ministry is currently supervising educational projects in 83 locations—excluding those handled by ASUBEB. Over 70 schools have already received contract letters for renovation and construction works, all part of a broader strategy to strengthen inter-agency collaboration and deliver measurable results.

Elder Ubochi acknowledged the support of private schools and alumni associations in promoting the government’s reform agenda. He commended Governor Otti’s prioritization of education, citing the allocation of 20% of the state’s annual budget to the sector as a strong commitment to building a “New Abia.”

The Commissioner also addressed several regulatory issues. He warned publishers against bundling textbooks with workbooks and discouraged schools from recommending multiple textbooks per subject. He advocated for standardized assessments, including the Primary School Leaving Assessment Test (PSLAT) for Primary 6 pupils, the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) for JSS 3 students, and a mandatory assessment for SS2 students ahead of WAEC registration.

Reinforcing the administration’s policy of free and compulsory education from Primary 1 to JSS 3, Ubochi condemned child hawking during school hours. He said Education Marshals have been empowered to apprehend parents or guardians whose children are found outside classrooms during school time.

On staffing challenges, the Commissioner assured stakeholders that the state government is working to bridge manpower gaps across schools.

Also speaking,the Special Adviser on Basic and Secondary Education, Sir Kenechukwu Nwosu, decried the imposition of unauthorized levies, particularly for Primary 6 and SS3 students. He warned that schools flouting Ministry guidelines would face sanctions.

In her closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry called on all stakeholders to align with government policy and contribute to the realization of Governor Otti’s vision for a revitalized and inclusive education sector in Abia State.