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The Imo State House of Assembly, has urged Governor, Hope Uzodinma, to introduce free and compulsory education in the state public schools, both in primary and secondary levels to encourage enrollment.
The House reached the resolution following the adoption of the motion moved by member representing Nkwere Constituency, Chisom Ojukwu on the floor of the House, during plenary, Tuesday.
Presenting the motion, Ojukwu informed the House that education, being the key to social progress, economic growth and responsible citizenship, should be made affordable and accessible for every child.
He cited section 18 of the 1999 constitution as amended, which directed that the government should provide free and compulsory education at the primary and secondary levels and also make higher education accessible to every Nigerian Citizen.
The lawmaker, added that digital literacy should also be made compulsory and that the federal government student loan scheme help desk, be established in the 27 LGAs’ of the state for easy access to rural dwellers.
“The new Federal Government Student Loan Scheme is a good initiative that will help students pay for their education, but it needs local support and awareness for it to work effectively in the State” he said.
Ojukwu pointed out that he acknowledged efforts being made by the Governor in improving quality education in the state, especially, banning of illegal levies in schools, recruiting and retraining of teachers and renovation of schools. However, he observed that despite the efforts, many families, especially low income earners, still struggle to send their wards to school, hence the need for a free education policy.
The Nkwere lawmaker, advised State Government to establish an Education Trust Fund and make a ten-year development plan to help sustain funding for schools, improve learning condition and secure brighter future for Imo children.
In the area of digital literacy, Ojukwu asserted that providing internet access and other digital tools in public schools will help pupils compete with their counterparts effectively.
He observed that the world is going digital and the best thing to offer the young ones is equipping them with modern learning process for them to fit in wherever they find themselves.
The House, after much deliberation, adopted the motion and directed the clerk of the House to communicate their resolution to the Governor.
Imo Assembly urges Gov Uzodinma to make basic, secondary education free, compulsory
