Abia State Governor Alex Otti has announced that over 700,000 pupils are now enrolled in the state’s free and compulsory basic education program, launched on January 1, 2024.
Speaking during his monthly media briefing, Otti revealed that the surge in school enrollment prompted the recruitment of 5,000 teachers initially, with an additional 4,000 recently approved to meet growing demand. He emphasized the government’s focus on equipping students for a technology-driven future, outlining investments in teacher training, particularly in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. “We are preparing our children to excel in a world shaped by AI, robotics, and electric vehicles,” Otti stated, underscoring the policy’s alignment with global technological advancements. The initiative aims to bridge educational gaps and foster workforce readiness in the state.