In line with its free basic education policy, the Abia State government has banned all forms of payments in both public primary and secondary schools in the state.
Governor Alex Otti, who announced this in his statewide new year message broadcast, emphasised that Parents Teachers Association (PTA) levy is included.
“We have introduced an imprest account system for the running of schools. Head teachers and school principals are now entitled to specific sums every month for managing the day-to-day operations of their schools.
“There is therefore no excuse to extort or deny any child the opportunities that come with learning and enlightenment. We shall be strict with enforcement and it will be a grievous mistake to test our will,” he said.
According to the governor, programmes of continuous capacity development and exposure to new techniques and superior work ethics will definitely be implemented.
“Last year, the administration sponsored the training of scores of young people from different parts of the state in vocational skills at Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic Aba.
“Many more of these training exercises shall happen in the new year in line with our conviction that skill acquisition is one of the surest paths to overcoming poverty and unemployment,” he added.
