Abia’s Future in Focus: Education Driven Economic Development

Education remains the cornerstone of every flourishing society, instilling values, fostering development, and empowering communities to achieve lasting growth.


Recognizing this, the Abia State Government has enacted a groundbreaking policy mandating parents to send their children to school, effective January 1, 2025. This initiative underscores the administration's dedication to harnessing education as a means to propel societal progress, enhance accountability, and foster inclusive growth.


The newly introduced policy prohibits parents from denying children access to basic education, marking a significant step in promoting equal educational opportunities. Information Commissioner Prince Okey Kanu announced that parents who fail to comply will be prosecuted under the Abia State Child's Law of 2006. This policy, he emphasized, is intended to uplift the education sector and provide every child with the foundation necessary for personal and social development.


Education not only empowers individuals economically but also cultivates civic engagement, promotes health, and fosters environmental awareness. As renowned activist Nelson Mandela once noted, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." This belief is echoed in Abia State’s educational reforms, which aim to transform lives by removing barriers to knowledge and ensuring that poverty no longer obstructs a child’s right to learn.


By focusing on accessible education, Abia State is setting the stage for future social stability and economic growth. Studies show that educated communities experience lower crime rates, improved health outcomes, and greater productivity. Thus, the government's commitment to enforcing school attendance promises not only an educated populace but a more prosperous and harmonious society.


Complementing this initiative, the government has also relocated the Umuahia campus of Abia State University to its main campus at Uturu, a move designed to streamline resources and bolster the institution's infrastructure. This restructuring is part of the administration’s broader efforts to strengthen educational frameworks, thereby reinforcing Abia’s commitment to quality learning and sustainable development.


As Abia State steers forward with its educational reforms, commendations pour in for Governor Alex Otti's dedication to tackling the root causes of poverty and inequality. By focusing on education as a tool for societal transformation, the state is actively addressing factors that hinder economic progress and social cohesion. Instead of hawking on the streets, Abia’s children will have the opportunity to learn, grow, and become valuable contributors to their communities.


In prioritizing education, Abia State paves the way for a brighter future. As global advocate Peter Brougham once remarked, “Education makes people easy to lead but difficult to drive, easy to govern but impossible to enslave.” Abia's policy signifies a vision for lasting prosperity and security, grounded in the power of education to uplift individuals and, in turn, society as a whole.


To achieve these objectives, it is essential for governments to prioritize Due Process as a doctrine across all levels of governance. Educating public officials and stakeholders on the principles of Due Process ensures that government operations remain transparent, accountable, and fair. When every individual in public service is aware of these standards, they become advocates for ethical practices and champions of a more responsible governance framework.


Embedding Due Process in education and governance creates a ripple effect, promoting an environment where developmental strides can flourish without compromise. Through such measures, governments not only strengthen public institutions but also lay a robust foundation for economic stability, social harmony, and lasting progress. An educated, values driven society, empowered by clear principles of accountability, becomes a catalyst for transformative change and resilient development.


Dr Oluebube A. Chukwu, writes from Umuahia.