ABIA’S EDUCATION REBIRTH: Governor Alex Otti’s Free School Policy Triggers Over 100% Surge in Public School Enrolment Within Three Months

Public school enrolment figures in Abia State have recorded an unprecedented rise of over 100 percent between July and October 2025, signaling a major revival in the state’s basic education sector.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this remarkable development on Monday at the Government House, Umuahia, while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR.

According to Prince Kanu, the sharp increase in enrolment across public primary and junior secondary schools is a direct result of the free education programme introduced by the Otti-led administration, which has reawakened public confidence in the state’s education system.

He explained that the data was derived from a recent comprehensive collection exercise carried out by the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), based on verified statistics submitted by schools and Local Government Education Authorities (LGEAs) across all 17 local government areas.

“This is an indication that the confidence and trust in our public school system is increasing by the day as a result of the reforms being implemented in the educational sector across the state by this administration,” the Commissioner stated.

Prince Kanu highlighted that the transformation in the sector stems from a series of far-reaching reforms championed by Governor Otti’s administration to restore quality and accessibility in public education.

“The reforms include but are not limited to an increase in the number of newly recruited teachers, regular payment of teachers’ salaries, financial compensation for teachers in difficult-to-access areas, increase in the retirement age of teachers from 60 to 65 years, regular training and retraining of teachers, improvement in the learning environment, and adoption of new curricula for Abia schools, amongst others,” he added.

The Commissioner noted that these strategic interventions have not only improved the welfare and morale of teachers but also created a more conducive learning environment for pupils and students across the state.

Observers have described the surge in enrolment as a clear validation of Governor Otti’s commitment to rebuilding Abia’s education system, making quality learning both free and accessible to every child, regardless of background or location.

With the sustained implementation of these reforms, Abia State appears to be on the path to reclaiming its pride of place as one of Nigeria’s leading states i n basic education.