Gov Otti Bans All Payments In Primary, Secondary Schools

The Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, has banned all forms of payment in primary and secondary schools in the state.

Governor Otti said any form of payment, including the Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) levy, would be treated as a crime in all primary and secondary schools in the state.

In his New Year message on Wednesday, Otti stated that it would be unlawful to find any child in the state not in school during school hours when the second term for the 2024/2025 academic session resumes in January.

He explained that his administration created impress account that would take care of monthly expenses for headteachers and principals.

Abia State Governor warned headteachers and principals against extorting students for any reason, assuring there would be strict enforcement of the ban.

“We shall fast-track efforts to remake our schools into centres of excellence in effective teaching and learning. As you may know, the law mandating all children of school age to be in school every school day comes into effect from today (Wednesday, January 1st). As soon as the new school term begins later in the month, it will be unlawful to find any child outside the walls of the classroom during school hours.

“We have stopped all forms of payments in the primary and secondary schools, not even PTA levies should be charged any parent or guardian in any public school in the State.

“We have introduced an imprest account system for the running of schools. Headteachers 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,” Gov Otti said.

The Labour Party Governor further disclosed that his administration has commenced renovation of 200 primary healthcare centers which will be completed in the first quarter of the New Year to boost access to quality health services, especially in the rural communities.