Okorocha Makes Case For Free Education In Nigeria

Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has made case for introduction of free education in all schools in Nigeria in order to guarantee the future of the nation.

 
Okorocha who stated this during the distribution of free educational materials to Imo Schools as well as flag off of Cluster schools Model teachers Professional Training Programme at the State Universal Basic Education Board [SUBEB] headquarters, Owerri, restated his commitment to provide free and qualitative education at all levels in the state.

 
According to the governor, there is no better way of guaranteeing a prosperous future than ensuring that every child is given the opportunity of acquiring qualitative education.

 
He noted that his administration is anchored on education which is being demonstrated by providing free education at all levels, building of 305 modern schools across the state, regular payment of teachers' salaries and allowances, among others.

 
“My dream for Imo is to be number one in education in Nigeria, where other states will come to copy as a model.”  he said.

 
The governor disclosed that government has introduced the Parents Teachers Child assessment Programme [PTCAP] to offer the needed relationship for teachers and parents to discuss the welfare of their wards.

 
He encouraged teachers to remain focused and dedicated to their duties but warned that government will not tolerate indolence as the education police will continue to monitor students and teachers attendance to school.  He further charged teachers to ensure that educational materials in their respective schools are secured.

 
Okorocha expressed gladness that Imo State is building the first ever Marine University at Oguta and a degree awarding College of Health Technology that is almost completed at Orlu.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Primary and Non-formal Education, Dr. Uche Ejiogu, noted that government has sustained the policy of non-payment of tuition fees and levies in the state public schools as well as training and retraining of teachers to improve their capacity.

 
She added that the flag off of the distribution of instructional materials and teachers development training were yet measures put in place by the governor to enhance effective teaching and learning in public primary schools.  She therefore enjoined teachers to justify government's huge investment in education by being dedicated.

 
Speaking at the occasion, the chairman, Imo State Universal Basic Education Board(IMSUBEB), Mrs Gertrude Oduka said the event was to flag off the distribution of 798352 volumes of text books in various subjects as instructional materials to Imo children in addition to 8588 tables and 34352 chairs for early child care development programme [ECCD].

 
The IMSUBEB chairman disclosed that the board has put  in place for the first phase learning, 42 cluster of 420 schools made up of 2100 participants comprising of 42 head teachers as centre managers, 42 local government education authority supervisors in addition to 42 Board staff..