Anambra State Embraces Free Education For All, Declares It’s New Era Of Opportunity

Awka, Anambra State – Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo made a historic announcement, stating that Anambra State now provides completely free education at all secondary schools.

This decision makes Anambra the first state in Nigeria to offer free education from kindergarten to senior secondary school.

The Governor, speaking at the Professor Dora Akunyili Women’s Development Centre in Awka, emphasised the significance of human capital development as a key driver of progress.

He stated that “we should be able to guarantee that every child has access to free and high-quality education, especially the poorest of the poor.”

The programme has already produced impressive results.

• Increased Enrollment: Public secondary school enrollment has increased by 18% since the free education policy was implemented.
• Reduced Out-of-School Children: Anambra now boasts the lowest percentage of out-of-school children in the nation, with a 2% decrease since the program’s launch.
• To ensure that this initiative is successful, the government is taking the following steps.
• Reimbursement for Previous Fees: Parents who have already paid secondary school fees for their children will receive a full refund.
• Over 2000 teachers have been deployed to mission schools as part of an educational subsidy.

In addition, the state is focussing on school technology upgrades by laying over 2000 fibre optic cables.

Governor Soludo also addressed the issue of public school shortages in communities, stating that his administration is actively working to provide educational opportunities for all Anambra residents.

Aside from education, the governor announced several other key initiatives for the state’s future:

• Minimum Wage Increase: Beginning in October 2024, Anambra State will implement a N70,000-naira minimum wage for all public sector employees.
• Pension and Gratuity Payments: The government is working to settle outstanding pension and gratuity payments for retired state employees.
• Fiscal Sustainability: Governor Soludo emphasised the importance of responsible fiscal management in ensuring the state’s long-term financial stability.

The Governor’s comprehensive agenda demonstrates a commitment to making Anambra State stronger, more equitable, and prosperous.

By investing in education, healthcare, and economic development, the government is laying the groundwork for a brighter future for all citizens.