NEWS
ABIA ACHIEVES MILESTONE IN EDUCATION DATA GATHERING AS FIRST STATEWIDE SCHOOL CENSUS RECORDS OVER 4,000 SCHOOLS AND 1.6 MILLION LEARNERS
Abia State has recorded a major breakthrough in its drive for accurate education data management following the successful completion of the first statewide annual school census. The comprehensive exercise, conducted by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, has provided a clear and reliable picture of the state’s education landscape.
According to the Information Commissioner, the census revealed that a total of 4,150 schools, 1,687,326 learners, and 45,151 staff participated in the exercise. The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, made this known on Monday at Government House Umuahia while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
He explained that although many private school proprietors were initially hesitant to disclose enrollment data, the exercise still delivered remarkable achievements. One of the most notable milestones was the distribution of 1,221 Android tablets to school heads and data officers to enhance education data management and reporting.
“For the first time, all schools uploaded their data digitally via the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS) platform,” he disclosed, underscoring the state’s progress toward modernized and transparent education administration.
The Commissioner added that the state’s adult and non-formal education programme is now fully operational, providing a vital second chance for citizens who missed early educational opportunities. With the programme active, more Abians can now learn, acquire relevant skills, and become employable, further strengthening the state’s human capital development agenda.
The successful execution of the census marks a new chapter in Abia’s education sector, setting the foundation for informed planning, improved resource allocation, and enhanced learning outcomes across 
the state.