Abia Govt Welcomes Pupils, Students To 2025/2026 Academic Year, Rolls Out Major Reforms
Abia State Government welcomes pupils and students to the 2025/2026 academic year with new reforms, including teacher recruitment, reduced fees, school renovations, and a STEM-driven curriculum.
The Abia State Government has welcomed pupils and students across the state back to school for the 2025/2026 academic year, unveiling new reforms designed to strengthen education standards, ease the financial load on parents, and guarantee inclusive learning for all children.
Delivering a goodwill message, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Basic and Secondary Education, Sir Kenechukwu Nwosu, described the fresh school year as “the continuation of a beautiful journey of learning, discovery, and limitless possibilities,” stressing that students remain “the pride of Abia State and the heartbeat of its future.”
Nwosu announced that 5,394 teachers had been recruited, trained, and deployed to schools across the state, a move expected to improve teacher-to-student ratio and enhance classroom learning.
He further disclosed that many schools are undergoing renovations and new constructions, with stronger roofs, safer classrooms, and modern furniture aimed at creating a conducive learning environment.
To ease financial pressure, the government has fixed Primary 6 and Basic Education Certificate fees at ₦2,000, while secondary school certificate fees are set at ₦4,000.
In addition, publishers have been directed to separate textbooks from workbooks so that families can reuse textbooks for younger children. The government is also considering limiting graduation ceremonies to Primary 6 and SS3 students, reducing unnecessary expenses and allowing parents to prioritize academic needs.
The 2025/2026 session comes with a modernized curriculum emphasizing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training). According to Nwosu, this shift will better prepare Abia students for opportunities in robotics, innovation, engineering, and other global skills.
He added that the state is working to reduce out-of-school children while ensuring that Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs) have equal access to education.
School safety has been strengthened across the state, giving parents, teachers, and learners confidence in a secure academic environment. Teachers will also continue to receive modern training to make lessons more engaging and impactful.
The Special Adviser outlined the 2025/2026 academic calendar:
- First term runs from September 23 to December 19, 2025
- Second term from January 12 to early April 2026
- Third term from April 27 to July 31, 2026
He noted that the structure was carefully designed to ensure balanced learning and effective teaching.
Nwosu praised Governor Alex Chioma Otti for his unwavering commitment to education, describing him as a leader who places the future of Abia children at the heart of governance. He also commended First Lady Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, whose Safe Tent Care Initiative recently provided back-to-school support packages for indigent pupils.
He further assured that the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, led by Commissioner Goodluck Ubochi, is ready to strengthen supervision, monitoring, and policy delivery to guarantee better learning outcomes.
Addressing students directly, Nwosu charged them to stay focused, disciplined, and curious throughout the session.
“Each lesson you learn, every book you read, and every idea you share brings us closer to a brighter tomorrow. Stay curious, work hard, respect your teachers, support one another, and above all, believe in your own greatness,” he said.
He concluded by wishing all pupils and students a joyful, safe, and impactful academic year, expressing optimism that 2025/2026 will be the best school year in Abia’s history.
