The Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, has lauded Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s transformative efforts in the education sector, citing a significant decline in the percentage of out-of-school children over the past few years.
Speaking on the profound impact of Governor Soludo’s educational policies, Chuma-Udeh revealed that the rate of out-of-school children plummeted from 32.4 percent in 2021, at the inception of the current administration, to 15.2 percent in 2022. Subsequently, by 2023, this figure dramatically reduced to a mere 2.9 percent, coinciding with the implementation of the state’s free education program.
The Commissioner attributed this remarkable achievement to two key initiatives: the recruitment of 5000 additional teachers and the introduction of free education across Anambra State.
“The employment of 5000 teachers by the current administration has been instrumental in significantly reducing the rate of out-of-school children from 32.4 percent in 2021 to 15.2 percent in 2022,” stated Chuma-Udeh. “This positive trend continued in 2023, with the rate dropping further to 2.9 percent following the declaration of free education in the State.”
Highlighting the broader impact of these initiatives, Chuma-Udeh emphasized that the recruitment of teachers effectively eradicated the problem of schools operating without adequate teaching staff. Furthermore, the implementation of free education positioned Anambra State as a beacon of accessible education within the Southeast region.
“In addition to the employment of teachers, the abolition of levies has played a crucial role in ensuring that education is readily available to every individual in the State,” added Chuma-Udeh, underscoring the administration’s commitment to removing barriers to education and fostering inclusive learning opportunities for all residents.
