Soludo Declares Compulsory Free Nursery To Jss3 Education

Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo declared free and compulsory education from nursery to Junior Secondary School (JSS 3) in public schools in the state.

On Thursday, Sept. 21, he made this known while visiting Premier Primary School in Obosi, Idemili North Council Area.

Soludo stated that his administration is committed to implementing an all-inclusive education and that no child from nursery to JSS 3 should be charged school fees or any other fees to obtain an education in the state.

He said: “The aim is to go back to the basics when education was used as the equalizer, such that children from poor and rich backgrounds will attend the same school and compete favourably.”

He went on to say that children of school age would no longer be denied access to high-quality education and that education from nursery to JSS would be free and mandatory in the state.

“This will increase the access of children to basic education and ensure the fullest development of personality, talents, and mental and physical abilities of our children,” he said.

Soludo stated that his government would not investigate anyone who did not follow the new rules.

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The free and compulsory education program includes not just tuition fees, but also various dues and levies that can amount to thousands of Naira per term for students.

According to him, the new policy is written in the constitution, which states that the state shall provide free basic education wherever possible.

“In Anambra, our greatest resource is our human capital. This is why our administration is taking intentional steps and making strategic investments in our public education. We have today declared that no nursery, primary or Junior Secondary School student must pay any fee, dues or levy going forward.” Governor Soludo said.

The governor also announced that tuition prices for senior secondary school students (SSS 1 – 3) had been cut from 8,000 to 12,000 Naira per term, depending on the school, to a flat amount of 5,000 Naira for all, with no further tax, levy, or dues attached.

He explained that the charge would be collected by the schools and not paid to the government.