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
FG Bans Admission, Transfer Of SS3 Students
The Federal Government has announced a nationwide ban on the admission and transfer of students into Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) in all public and private schools, beginning from the 2026/27 academic session.
The announcement, signed by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, said the directive was part of efforts to curb examination malpractice and restore credibility to Nigeria’s education system.
“The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Education, has announced a nationwide prohibition on the admission and transfer of students into Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) in all public and private secondary schools,” the statement read.
According to the ministry, the policy follows growing concerns over the increasing incidence of malpractice, including the use of so‑called special centres during external examinations.
It explained that admissions and transfers will now be restricted strictly to Senior Secondary School One (SS1) and Senior Secondary School Two (SS2). “Admission or transfer into SS3 will no longer be permitted under any circumstance,” the ministry stated.
Officials said the measure is aimed at discouraging last‑minute movement of students for examination‑related advantages, ensuring proper academic monitoring, and promoting continuity in teaching and learning.
School proprietors, principals, and administrators nationwide have been directed to comply fully with the policy.
The ministry warned that any violation would attract sanctions in line with existing education regulations and guidelines.
Reaffirming government’s commitment, the statement added: “The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirms the Federal Government’s commitment to maintaining academic standards, promoting fairness, and restoring credibility to public examinations across the country.”
Education
How Fulani Militias Attacked Taraba Community, K!lled My Father, Four Relatives — Grieving NYSC Member Cries Out (Video)
Orkeghen Philip Aondofa, a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has cried out for help, alleging that armed Fulani herders carried out a de@dly attack on his village — New-Gboko (Nyugoko) in the Peva–Chanchanji Ward of Takum Local Government Area, Taraba State.
They reportedly k!lled his father and four other members of his family.
Philip, who is currently serving in Enugu State, recounted the horror in an emotional interview with SaharaReporters, saying the Taraba State government has remained silent while k!llings continue across communities in Chanchanji ward.
According to him, the attackers, whom he repeatedly referred to as “herders ”, invaded the community on November 27, 2025, unleashing violence that forced all surviving residents to flee.
He said the assailants are still occupying the village, preventing him from retrieving his father’s corpse for burial.
“Right now, as I speak to you, the k!lling is all over Chanchanji ward in Takum LGA of Taraba State. The Taraba State Government is silent about it,” he said.
The corps member said one of the attackers used his late father’s phone to call him after the massacre — only to confess to k!lling him.
“After the attack, one of them took my father’s phone and called me. When I asked where the owner of the phone was, he told me, he k!lled my father directly. I broke down and ended the call,” he said.
Philip said the inability to recover his father’s remains has left him in deeper anguish.
“What pains me the most now is how I will get my father’s corpse to bury. Those herders are still there in the village. There is nobody left in my village.”
The corps member said he is nearing the end of his service year but now feels completely stranded and without hope.
“After my service, I don’t know where to go. I don’t know where to start. I am calling on the Federal Government and those concerned to come to my aid. I am broke, I am hopeless. I don’t have anywhere to go; everything is gone. I have lost hope.”
Education
TETFund Unveils Plan for Nationwide Security Overhaul in Tertiary Institutions
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has announced a major initiative to strengthen security across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education in Nigeria. As part of the new move, the Fund is developing a comprehensive security master plan aimed at addressing the growing threats facing campuses nationwide.
According to the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, the framework will serve as a unified guide for preventing, managing, and responding to security breaches within tertiary institutions. He noted that the rising cases of attacks, kidnappings, and other safety concerns have made it imperative to adopt a coordinated national approach to protect students, staff, and infrastructure.
The proposed security master plan is expected to involve collaboration with security agencies, education stakeholders, and institution managers to ensure effective implementation across the country.
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