Education
IMO LAWMAKERS CALL FOR FREE AND COMPULSORY BASIC AND SECONDARY EDUCATION ACROSS PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
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.
Education
NYSC Official Arrested Over Female Corper’s D3ath After Abortion
An official of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Ogun State, Abass Olalekan, has been arrested in connection with the de@th of a female corps member.
The corps member, Victoria Ariyo, serving under the Abeokuta South Local Government Area (LGA) of the NYSC, reportedly d!ed last Tuesday after undergoing abortion.
It was gathered that the corps member had terminated her pregnancy and d!ed from complications that followed the procedure.
Her remains were buried at Kobape Cemetery on Kobape-Sagamu Road in Abeokuta.
According to Daily Trust, Ariyo’s d3ath came barely a month after another female corps member, Adeleye Mary, d!ed in what has been described as mysterious circumstance.
Mary, who was serving under the same Abeokuta South LG, was attached to the Ogun State Television (OGTV) as her Place of Primary Assignment (PPA).
A source told the publication that both deceased corps members were friends.
“The first lady d!ed at her residence, which is not far from her PPA. They found her lifeless body in the apartment and, up till now, nobody can tell the cause of her d3ath,” the source said.
However, the second corps member who d!ed on Tuesday was said to have died from complications arising from an abortion procedure.
It was alleged that the NYSC official, who is the Local Government Inspector (LGI) for Abeokuta South, Abass Olalekan was culpable in the process leading to the corps member’s d3ath.
Sources told the publication that the LGI was allegedly involved in a romantic relationship with the deceased, which eventually led to pregnancy, and it was the termination that led to her d3ath.
“That is the fact in issue,” a police source who confirmed the NYSC official’s arrest told Daily Trust on Thursday.
The police source said the development raises questions about the legality of romancing “someone that should be in your care.”
Confirming Olalekan’s arrest, the source said, “He is in our custody at the command’s headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta.”
The police source, however, said there is no connection between the current incident and the one that occurred last month.
Spokesperson for the police in the state, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed death of Ariyo and said that the investigation was ongoing.
However, he failed to respond to questions on the arrest of the LGI and the alleged involvement.
“I can confirm that the case of the demise of Victoria Ariyo is under investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department,” Babaseyi said in a terse statement.
Education
Teacher Reportedly Suspended In Kebbi After Rejecting Ramadan Palliative
A classroom teacher in Kebbi State, Abduljalal Usman, has reportedly been suspended for three months without salary after rejecting a Ramadan palliative reportedly distributed by the state government.
The teacher allegedly declined the offer of one mudu of maize and one mudu of millet and also criticized what he described as poor governance in the state.
According to claims circulating online, the action was taken under the administration of Nasir Idris, prompting criticism from some commentators who described the suspension as an attempt to silence dissent and punish a public worker for speaking out.
Critics argue that educators deserve better working conditions, fair compensation, and respect, rather than disciplinary action for expressing their views.
@Mallam_jabeer who shared the report, said …
“A classroom teacher in Kebbi, Abduljalal Usman has been suspended for 3 months without salary simply for rejecting one mudu of maize and one mudu of millet offered as Ramadan palliative from the government and for speaking out against the bad governance.
Under the leadership of
@NasiridrisKG
, the Kebbi State Government is now punishing teachers for refusing humiliation and for criticizing the weaponization of poverty.
This is bias, incompetence and total abuse of power.

Education
Tinubu makes new appointment
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr. Makoji Stephen as the new Rector of Federal Polytechnic Ugep in Cross River State.
The approval was granted by the Federal Government, and the appointment will take effect from March 17, 2026.
Dr. Stephen will serve a single term of five years in line with the Polytechnic Act 2019 as amended.
The decision is seen as part of efforts to strengthen leadership and improve the academic and administrative structure of the institution.
Before this new role, Dr. Stephen worked as a Chief Lecturer in the Department of Public Administration at Federal Polytechnic, Idah.
He also served as an Adjunct Faculty member in the Department of Public Policy and Administration at Miva Open University, Nigeria.
Dr. Stephen began his academic journey at Ahmadu Bello University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration in 1998 with Second Class Upper Division.
He later obtained a Master of Science degree in Public Administration from Benue State University.
In 2009, he earned another Master of Science degree in Human Resource Management from the University of Salford in the United Kingdom.
He further completed a Ph.D. in Business and Management with a focus on Human Resource Management at the University of Salford Business School in 2016.
His doctoral studies were supported by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund.
-
Business1 year ago
US court acquits Air Peace boss, slams Mayfield $4000 fine
-
Trending1 year agoNYA demands release of ‘abducted’ Imo chairman, preaches good governance
-
Politics1 year agoMexico’s new president causes concern just weeks before the US elections
-
Politics1 year agoPutin invites 20 world leaders
-
Politics1 year agoRussia bans imports of agro-products from Kazakhstan after refusal to join BRICS
-
Entertainment1 year ago
Bobrisky falls ill in police custody, rushed to hospital
-
Entertainment1 year ago
Bobrisky transferred from Immigration to FCID, spends night behind bars
-
Education2 years ago
GOVERNOR FUBARA APPOINTS COUNCIL MEMBERS FOR KEN SARO-WIWA POLYTECHNIC BORI
