The Abia State House of Assembly has announced plans to launch a full-scale investigation into the recent surge in school fees at Government College Umuahia, one of the state's premier public institutions. This move comes after growing concerns from parents, students, and educational stakeholders about the unaffordable tuition fees and their potential negative impact on education access for many families in the region.
The House, led by Speaker Hon. Chinedu Orji, has expressed its commitment to ensuring that education remains accessible to all citizens, especially at the secondary school level. Lawmakers have emphasized that the dramatic rise in fees at the institution has sparked outrage among the public, with many parents struggling to meet the financial burden.
"We are deeply concerned about the escalating cost of education at Government College Umuahia," said Hon. Orji during a special session of the Assembly. "Education is a fundamental right for every child, and no student should be excluded from receiving quality education due to exorbitant fees. The House is committed to investigating the causes of this hike and ensuring that it is addressed immediately."
The investigation will focus on a thorough review of the fee structure at the school, including the factors contributing to the increase and the role of the school administration in the decision-making process. The Assembly will also explore alternative solutions to reduce the financial burden on students and their families.