The Abia State Government has issued a stern warning to school principals and heads of public schools, threatening dismissal for anyone caught collecting unauthorized fees, in violation of the state’s free education policy.

The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this while briefing journalists after the weekly Executive Council meeting in Umuahia.

He emphasized that education remains free from the primary level up to Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3), while students in Senior Secondary School (SS1 to SS3) are to pay a token of ₦3,300.

According to him, the state now provides imprest funds to schools to cater for routine expenses, thereby removing any justification for the imposition of illegal levies.

He warned that defaulters would face serious disciplinary action, including dismissal from service.

As part of ongoing reforms in the education sector, Kanu also announced that the Education Reformation and Innovation Team (ERIT) would soon commence training for 2,200 teachers across the state.

He further revealed that the government has concluded recruitment interviews for 7,000 qualified teaching applicants, including 180 persons with disabilities.

In a related development, the state government is preparing to launch a new policy aimed at promoting Made-in-Abia products. The initiative seeks to boost local content and enhance the state’s economic resilience amid prevailing national and global economic challenges.

The policy will prioritize the procurement and use of locally sourced goods and services across government establishments.

Kanu noted that the initiative is part of Governor Alex Otti’s broader strategy to reposition Abia for sustainable development and economic self-reliance.