The Abia State Government says its free education policy for pupils in public primary and junior secondary schools is already translating into significant growth in school enrolment.
Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mr. Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists after the State Executive Council meeting in Umuahia.
He said data recently collated by the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB) showed a dramatic rise in enrolment — over 100 per cent between July and October — across public schools in the state.
Kanu said the surge reflects growing public confidence in the administration’s reforms under Governor Alex Otti.
“These reforms include the recruitment of 5,394 teachers in the first phase and an additional 4,000 in the next phase,” he said.
He added that the government has also prioritised prompt salary payments, incentives for teachers in rural areas, an increase in the retirement age from 60 to 65, regular teacher training, and better learning environments.
“The government remains committed to sustaining these gains as part of its efforts to restore quality public education in Abia,” he said.
The commissioner announced that Governor Otti will, on Wednesday, Oct. 29, inaugurate the newly completed Umuene Court Building Complex in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
He noted that the project is part of the administration’s justice sector reforms which include the construction of 17 new courthouses — one per LGA — to strengthen judicial efficiency and access to justice.
“The Umuene Courthouse is the first of the 17 state-of-the-art facilities that will support a more effective judiciary,” Kanu said.
He also revealed that a Contributory Pension Scheme for Abia workers will be launched in November, marking what he described as a major step in civil service reforms and worker welfare.
“Since inauguration, this administration has cleared accumulated pension arrears left by previous governments,” Kanu said, adding that arrangements were being finalized for the payment of gratuities.
He reiterated that salaries and pensions are now paid promptly on the 28th of every month, a practice he said would continue.
On road safety, the commissioner urged motorists to ensure full compliance with traffic rules as the year draws to a close.
He announced a new campaign launched by the Ministry of Transport in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), themed: “Road Safety is a Shared Responsibility — A Drive to Arrive.”
Kanu warned that anyone found violating traffic regulations — including driving against traffic — will face sanctions, stressing that “even the governor’s convoy obeys traffic rules.”
He called on residents to cooperate with authorities to ensure safer roads across the state.
