By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
6- NOV- 2025

The Imo State House of Assembly has appealed to Governor Hope Uzodimma to implement a free and compulsory education policy across public primary and secondary schools in the state as a strategic measure to boost enrollment and reduce the number of out-of-school children. This appeal came after legislators unanimously adopted a motion presented during plenary by Hon. Chisom Ojukwu, the member representing Nkwerre Constituency.

While presenting the motion, Hon. Ojukwu emphasized that education remains the foundation of societal development, economic advancement, and responsible citizenship. He argued that no child in Imo State should be deprived of formal education due to financial constraints, insisting that the state must align with global standards in educational accessibility.

Citing Section 18 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, Ojukwu reminded the House that the Nigerian government has a constitutional duty to provide free and compulsory education at both the primary and secondary school levels and ensure that higher education is made accessible to citizens. According to him, any society that ignores education risks stunted development and social imbalance.

The lawmaker further proposed that digital literacy be made compulsory in public schools, alongside the establishment of Federal Government Student Loan Scheme help desks in all 27 local government areas of the state. He said this will ensure rural dwellers have equal access to information and opportunities offered by the student loan program.

Hon. Ojukwu praised the ongoing efforts of the Uzodimma administration in the education sector, such as banning illegal levies in schools, recruiting and training teachers, and refurbishing school facilities. Nevertheless, he pointed out that many families, especially those with low income, still struggle to pay school fees and provide basic educational materials for their children.

In light of this, he stressed the need for the introduction of a free education policy to alleviate the burden on parents and ensure that every child in Imo State has the opportunity to learn and thrive. He added that such a policy would drastically reduce school dropout rates and promote literacy across the state.

To strengthen the sustainability of the education sector, Ojukwu proposed the creation of an Education Trust Fund and the development of a ten-year strategic plan that would cater to long-term funding, infrastructure, and learning improvements. This, he noted, would guarantee a better future for Imo children.

Discussing digital advancement, the lawmaker stated that equipping students with modern digital tools and internet access would enable them to compete with their peers globally. He stressed that the world is rapidly evolving, and education systems must adapt if the youth are to remain relevant in an increasingly technology-driven environment.

He further noted that integrating digital learning platforms in public schools would prepare students for future careers and contribute to national development. According to him, the 21st-century economy thrives on technology, innovation, and knowledge acquisition.

Members of the House supported the motion after deliberations, acknowledging that educational accessibility is a fundamental right and a cornerstone for nation-building. They agreed that the policy proposal aligns with the developmental vision of the state and the constitutional obligations of the government.

There was a unanimous understanding among the lawmakers that free education would not only ease financial pressure on parents but also boost literacy rates, reduce crime, and empower future generations.

Following the adoption of the motion, the House directed the Clerk to officially communicate their resolution to the Governor for further action. Lawmakers expressed optimism that the state government would consider the proposal favorably and take actionable steps towards its implementation.

In their collective view, the call for free and compulsory education represents a vital investment in human capital, one that will shape the social and economic future of Imo State for decades to come.

A student of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, (UNN) tragically lost his life in a car accident while on his way to Davido’s concert in Enugu.

Chrisantus Chukwuebuka Nwankwo, popularly known on campus as DJ Brownlex, was a 300-level student from the department of Economics.

On Saturday evening, Nov. 1, the bus conveying Chukwuebuka and other students reportedly left for the concert late in the evening “without proper headlights” and crashed into a parked trailer along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.

According to reports, the driver and Chukwuebuka lost their lives on the spot, while others sustained serious injuries.

Two 300-level students are unconscious, and a final-year student is battling a severe brain injury.

Those injured are currently receiving treatment at Shanahan Hospital, Nsukka.

Chukwuebuka was buried on Sunday, Nov. 2.

A video shared on Facebook shows an older female relative crying out Chukwuebuka’s name while touching his body as it lay in an open c@sket.

Friends and loved ones have gone on Facebook to mourn Chukwuebuka.

A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has sentenced a 19-year-old teacher, Abdullahi Abbass, to life imprisonment for raping a nine-year-old pupil.

This was disclosed in a statement shared with Sunday PUNCH by the Press Officer of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, Vincent Adekoye.

According to Adekoye, the judgment was delivered by Justice M. Osho-Adebiyi of the court on October 29.

He said Abbass, who was working in one of the schools located in Kwali, was sentenced without the option of a fine.

Adekoye said, “The landmark judgment underscores the efforts of the present management of NAPTIP under the watch of the Director General, Binta Bello, as well as the commitment of the Federal Government of Nigeria to protecting children from sexual abuse. This came as a morale boost to state and non-state actors in the implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, 2015.

“It would be recalled that, as part of the renewed determination to tackle the emerging issues of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and rape in the country, the Director General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello, had recently strengthened the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Department of the Agency through capacity building for its operatives, thereby leading to swift intervention and diligent prosecution of all cases.”

Sunday PUNCH gathered that the convict, on March 19, 2025, after school hours, sent another pupil to call the victim from their home.

He thereafter took the victim down the street where he lived and raped the male victim through the anus.

The victim reported the incident to his mother, which led to Abbass’ arrest by the police and the subsequent referral of the case to NAPTIP.

Abbas was arraigned on two counts of rape and sexual abuse and was subsequently convicted and sentenced.

Commenting on the issue, Director General of NAPTIP, Binta Bello, lauded the judiciary for the judgment and the support of all partners in the prosecution of the case and the conviction of the offender.

She said, “This is a landmark judgment that carries the commensurate punishment for the offender. This will serve as a deterrent, and his name shall feature prominently in our Sex Offenders Register.

“I wish to say that the speedy investigation and arraignment of the convict is a testimony to our renewed commitment and determination to tackle the incidence of domestic violence, rape, and other forms of sexual abuse in the country. I thank the judiciary for the judgment and the Nigeria Police for the inter-agency collaboration on this case.”