The state already had an ongoing policy of free education for pupils from kindergarten to Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS 3).
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has announced free education for all public primary and secondary school pupils in the state.
The governor made the disclosure on Thursday during an interactive session with principals and head teachers in all public schools in the state at Professor Dora Akunyili Women’s Development, Awka, the state capital.
Governor Soludo also directed that senior secondary students who have paid their school fees for the term should be refunded their monies.
He noted that the state already had an ongoing policy of free education for pupils from kindergarten to Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS 3).
He said, “Yes! we now have a truly free education in Anambra. In all public schools, we should be able to guarantee that every child has access to free and qualitative education, especially to the poorest of the poor.
“For those who have collected, refund the school fees money back to the parents. We have posted over 2,000 teachers to mission schools as a way of subsidizing education.
“There are no smart teachers without smart schools. We are gradually upscaling technology in our schools, with the current laying of over 2,000 fibre optic cables.
“Because we declared truly free education from nursery, primary and JSS three pupils and students, enrolment in public schools increased by 18 percent and out-of-school children dropped by 2 percent, making Anambra the number one state with the lowest percentage of out-of-school children.
“Human capital is our greatest asset. We are working to create a human capital that is productive at home and exportable abroad, leaving no one behind as true progressives.
“With this latest initiative, we will be putting thousands of money back to the pockets of Ndị Anambra.”
He further said that there are about 77 communities in Anambra without public schools, pointing out that his administration is working to address the concern and provide options for Anambra people.
He assured the public that his administration will continue to provide resources for continuous learning by teachers in the state.
“Securing our future is a collective effort. We must seize the opportunity now. It is the greatest investment we can make,” he said.