Chukwu Obinna 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Imo State House of Assembly has urged Governor Hope Uzodimma to implement free and compulsory education in all public primary and secondary schools to tackle the growing number of children forced out of classrooms due to worsening economic hardship.
Debating the motion on Tuesday, Chisom Ojukwu (APC, Nkwere) warned that “poverty is now the biggest barrier to learning in rural communities,” despite previous government interventions.
He praised the federal student loan scheme as “a step forward,” but noted that state-driven reforms would better support vulnerable families.
Ojukwu proposed the creation of an Education Trust Fund, integrated into the state’s ten-year development plan, and formal legislation guaranteeing tuition-free basic and secondary education.
He also urged investment in digital learning infrastructure—computers, internet access and ICT capacity building—to prepare students “for an innovation-driven future.”
The motion received broad support Kingsley Ozurumba (Isu) insisted Imo “has the financial strength to sustain an education fund,” while Dominic Ezerioha (Oru West) stressed that student loan support centres in every LGA would ensure effective implementation. Uba Esile (Onuimo) commended Governor Uzodimma’s efforts in strengthening public education but said “more is needed now.”
Speaker Chike Olemgbe directed that the resolutions be transmitted to the governor and relevant ministries. If enacted, the policy would mark one of Imo’s most ambitious expansions of public education in recent years.
About the Author
Korede Abdullah 
Oluwatobi Adu 
Otamere Gladness