Abia State Governor Alex Otti Signs Landmark Educational Reforms Bill

Ferdinand | EducationGhana | September 14 | Abia State Governor Alex Otti Signs Landmark Educational Reforms Bill

 Abia State Governor Alex C. Otti has signed a new Educational Reforms Bill, introducing measures to reduce costs, curb extortion, and make education more affordable for families in public and private  In a move set to transform the education sector, the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex C. Otti, has signed into law a new Educational Reforms Bill. The legislation introduces far-reaching directives aimed at curbing financial exploitation in schools while ensuring quality education is accessible to all learners across the state.

Key Provisions of the Educational Reforms Bill

  Affordable School Leaving Certificates Under the new law, the cost of obtaining a School Leaving Certificate has been officially pegged at ₦2,000 only. This measure eliminates arbitrary charges that previously burdened parents and guardians.   Restrictions on School Transfers The reforms state that students can no longer switch schools in Senior Secondary Two (SS2). Instead, they must complete SS2 in the school where they intend to sit for their WAEC/NECO examinations, reducing cases of malpractice and inconsistencies in academic records. Mandatory Centralized Examination Students preparing to register for WAEC or NECO will now be required to first pass a Government Centralized Examination (GCE) conducted by the state. This ensures that candidates meet minimum competency standards before external assessments. Reusable Textbooks Policy To cut down on recurring expenses, schools are now mandated to adopt a textbook reuse system. This prevents the constant demand for new textbooks each term and eases financial pressure on families. Ban on Extravagant Graduation Ceremonies The bill also prohibits expensive graduation ceremonies at nursery and primary school levels, where such practices have become increasingly common. Instead, schools are encouraged to promote modest, meaningful academic celebrations. Applicability Across All Schools   Governor Otti emphasized that these reforms are binding on both public and private schools in Abia State. By standardizing costs and policies, the government seeks to bridge inequalities and make education more affordable, especially for low-income families. The signing of the Educational Reforms Bill marks a significant milestone in Governor Otti’s administration. By tackling extortion, reducing unnecessary expenses, and ensuring accountability in schools, the reforms are expected to reshape Abia State’s education system for the benefit of students, parents, and teachers alike.

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