Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has announced the implementation of free education for all public primary and secondary school students in the state. The announcement was made on Thursday during an interactive session with principals and head teachers from public schools across Anambra State, held at the Professor Dora Akunyili Women's Development Center in Awka, the state capital.
Free
Education Initiative for All Public School Students
Governor
Soludo disclosed that Anambra State now offers free education from kindergarten
through Senior Secondary School (SSS 3). He emphasized that the initiative aims
to ensure that every child in the state, especially those from disadvantaged
backgrounds, has access to quality education. The governor also directed that
all senior secondary school students who had already paid their school fees for
the current term should have their fees refunded.
"Yes,
we now have truly free education in Anambra. In all public schools, we should
be able to guarantee that every child has access to free and quality education,
especially for the poorest of the poor,"
Governor Soludo stated.
Ongoing
Educational Support and Increased Enrollment
The
governor highlighted the ongoing policy of free education for students from
kindergarten to Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS 3), which has led to significant
changes in school enrollment statistics. Since the declaration of free
education, enrollment in public schools has increased by 18%, while the rate of
out-of-school children has dropped by 2%. This achievement has positioned
Anambra as the state with the lowest percentage of out-of-school children in
Nigeria.
Governor
Soludo also noted the importance of supporting mission schools, stating, "We have posted over 2,000
teachers to mission schools as a way of subsidizing education."
Commitment
to Technology and Infrastructure
Governor
Soludo stressed the importance of improving the technological infrastructure in
Anambra's public schools, emphasizing the need for "smart teachers"
and "smart
schools." He revealed that the state is in the process of
upscaling technology in schools by installing over 2,000 fiber optic cables,
aimed at enhancing the quality of education.
"There
are no smart teachers without smart schools. We are gradually upscaling
technology in our schools, with the current laying of over 2,000 fiber optic
cables," he added.
Addressing
Gaps in Public School Access
Governor
Soludo acknowledged that there are about 77 communities in Anambra without
public schools, but assured that his administration is working to address this
issue and provide education options for all residents. He emphasized the need
for investment in human capital, calling it the state's greatest asset.
"Human
capital is our greatest asset. We are working to create a human capital that is
productive at home and exportable abroad, leaving no one behind as true
progressives," he said.
The
governor added that with the free education initiative, Anambra State is
effectively putting money back into the pockets of residents. "With this latest initiative,
we will be putting thousands of money back to the pockets of Ndị Anambra,"
he stated.
Continuous
Learning for Teachers
Governor
Soludo reiterated his administration's commitment to providing resources for
continuous learning and professional development for teachers in Anambra. He
urged all stakeholders to join efforts in securing the future of education in
the state.
"Securing
our future is a collective effort. We must seize the opportunity now. It is the
greatest investment we can make," he said.
Summary
of Key Initiatives:
- Free
Education for All: Public primary and secondary
school students in Anambra now benefit from free education.
- Refund
of School Fees: Senior secondary students who
have paid their school fees for the term will be refunded.
- Increased
Enrollment: The introduction of free education
has led to an 18% increase in public school enrollment and a 2% reduction
in out-of-school children.
- Support
for Mission Schools: Over 2,000 teachers
have been posted to mission schools to subsidize education.
- Technology
Integration: Installation of over 2,000 fiber
optic cables to enhance education technology in schools.
- Addressing
School Access Gaps: Efforts are
underway to provide public schools in 77 communities that currently lack
them.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo's free education initiative is a significant step towards improving access to quality education in Anambra State. By prioritizing education for all and supporting technological advancements, the administration aims to create a robust educational system that will benefit current and future generations.
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