Imo Assembly Moves to Establish Free and Compulsory Education Policy

4, November 2025/Naija 247news

The Imo State House of Assembly has urged the state government to adopt and implement a free and compulsory education policy for all children of school age across the state. The call, made during the House’s plenary session in Owerri, seeks to ensure that every child, irrespective of social or economic status, has access to quality education as a fundamental human right. The motion, according to lawmakers, represents a renewed commitment to eradicating illiteracy and promoting social development through education.

The motion was sponsored by Hon. Ugochukwu Nzekwe, the member representing Orsu State Constituency, who emphasized that education remains the foundation for sustainable development and the most effective weapon against poverty and insecurity. Nzekwe explained that while Imo has made remarkable progress in education under successive administrations, many children from poor backgrounds still face barriers to schooling due to economic hardship.

According to him, a free and compulsory education policy would align with the Universal Basic Education (UBE) Act, which mandates free access to education up to the junior secondary level. “The future of Imo State depends on how well we invest in our children today,” Nzekwe said. “Education must not be seen as a privilege but as a right that every child should enjoy. Making it free and compulsory will ensure no child is left behind.”

He pointed out that an educated population contributes directly to reducing crime rates, unemployment, and social vices, adding that education is a key tool for empowering youths and transforming communities. “We cannot continue to lament the problem of insecurity and poverty when the root cause — lack of education — is staring us in the face,” he added.

The lawmaker also urged the executive arm to create robust enforcement mechanisms to ensure parents enroll their children in school. He proposed that the Ministry of Education establish a monitoring unit to identify out-of-school children and implement sanctions against guardians who fail to comply.

Supporting the motion, the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Amarachi Iwuanyanwu, described the proposal as timely and essential for the state’s future. He said Governor Hope Uzodinma’s administration has demonstrated commitment to human capital development and should consolidate this by institutionalizing free and compulsory education. “When education is accessible to all, it reduces social inequality and builds a more progressive society,” Iwuanyanwu stated.

Lawmakers across party lines supported the motion, noting that education is the bedrock of economic progress and national stability. Hon. Nduka Ijeoma, representing Owerri Municipal Constituency, argued that the policy would be more effective if accompanied by investments in infrastructure, learning materials, and teacher training. “We must not only make education free but also improve its quality. A child studying under a leaking roof or without books cannot compete in the modern world,” he warned.

Similarly, Hon. Ngozi Obiefule of Isu Constituency called for the inclusion of vocational training in the curriculum, emphasizing that technical education is critical for addressing unemployment among young people. She noted that while academic excellence is important, skill acquisition would ensure that graduates are self-reliant and productive members of society.

The Assembly further called for collaboration between the state government, private sector, and international development agencies to sustain the policy financially. They emphasized the need to attract donor support and corporate social responsibility initiatives to fund the construction of classrooms, provision of learning materials, and payment of teachers’ salaries.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe, who presided over the session, commended the lawmakers for their robust contributions and described education as the “greatest investment any government can make in its people.” He assured that the resolution of the House would be transmitted to the executive for urgent consideration and implementation.

“Education is the foundation upon which every other development rests,” Olemgbe said. “If we must build a prosperous Imo State, we must start by building the minds of our young people. The House stands firmly behind this motion and will continue to pursue policies that improve access to learning and promote equal opportunities for all.”

The Imo State House of Assembly’s push for a free and compulsory education policy marks a bold step toward addressing the educational and social challenges facing the state. If implemented, the policy could significantly reduce the number of out-of-school children, bridge the inequality gap, and foster a generation of skilled and informed citizens. However, stakeholders agree that the success of the initiative will depend on political will, sustainable funding, and effective monitoring. As Imo charts its path toward inclusive growth, education remains its most powerful tool for building a brighter and more equitable future.

(www.naija247news.com)

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Reporting by Favor Akpan, News Writer in Lagos, Nigeria.