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From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
The Abia State government said it has sponsored 34 prison inmates in various Correctional Centres across the state for the 2026 First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) examination.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, who made the disclosure in Umuahia, said the action was a strategic move by the government to provide access to education across all categories of people in the state.
Prince Kanu said the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, through the Abia State Agency for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education, successfully facilitated the participation of inmate adult learners in the 2026 First School Leaving Certificate assessment test.
The commissioner emphasised that the initiative underscores the government’s determination to ensure that education remains accessible to every citizen regardless of circumstances.
“This initiative demonstrates Governor Alex Otti’s commitment to providing equitable and lifelong learning opportunities for every Abian who missed formal education earlier in life.
“This year, 15 inmates from the Umuahia Correctional Centre and 19 inmates from the Aba Correctional Centre participated in the examination, bringing the total number of participating inmates to 34.
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“The correctional walls are no barriers to the acquisition of education in Abia State. Every citizen deserves a second chance through education, and this administration remains committed to making that possible,” Prince Kanu stated”.
Prince Kanu also announced that the ministry, in collaboration with the National Mathematical Centre, Abuja, successfully organised the maiden edition of the 2026 Abia State Mathematics Kings and Queens Competition, which attracted over 600 pupils and students from public and private schools across the state.
“This competition is designed to encourage our children to develop a positive attitude towards Mathematics while rewarding excellence and inspiring healthy academic competition,” he stated.
The commissioner said Governor Alex Otti is set to sign the Abia State Climate Change Policy Document, a landmark policy expected to position the state for global climate financing and sustainable environmental management. Kalu explained that the policy would address major environmental challenges confronting the state.
“The Abia State Climate Change Policy Document is ready for sign off by His Excellency. Once it becomes operational, the international community will begin to take Abia State more seriously in climate action, opening up several climate funding opportunities across different sectors.
“The implementation of this policy will help reduce climate-related challenges such as flooding, erosion, heat waves, health risks, and food insecurity, while freeing up resources currently spent on ecological interventions and ensuring environmental sustainability,” Prince Kanu stated.
