Annual School Census: Abia Government Reads The Riot Act

The Abia State Government has expressed dismay over the blatant refusal of some primary and secondary schools in the state to participate in the ongoing Digital Annual School Census which commenced on May, 20, 2025.

The state government through the office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education warned defaulters not to proceed on the end of third term holidays until they complete and submit online via the NEMIS portal.

A statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs Uchechukwu Kalu said such schools should contact the Office of the Area Inspector of Education (AIE) in their various local government areas upon completion.

It stated unequivocally that schools that did not participate in the exercise are undermining the efforts of Governor Alex Otti in improving the standard of education in the state, adding that the management of any school found wanting in this regard would face “severe punitive measure.”

The release further stated that any school that did not follow the state uniform calendar of beginning the holidays from August 1, should reopen and complete the calendar or be ready to face the “full wrath” of the law.