Abia launches education reform initiative to enhance learning standards

The Abia state government has announced plans to overhaul its education sector through its FIRST initiative (Fostering Innovation and Reform for School Transformation) programme.

Goodluck Ubochi, the state’s commissioner for basic and secondary education, unveiled the initiative at a press briefing in Umuahia.

Ubochi said Abia FIRST is aimed at implementing innovative and transformative strategies in education.

He said the programme aligns with the administration’s goal to equip citizens with relevant skills for the global workforce.

Ubochi explained that the initiative would be carried out in collaboration with the Education Reform and Innovation Team (ERIT), a consortium of education experts and innovators.

The reforms will focus on early childhood development, basic education, secondary school improvements, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

Key aspects of the programme include digital learning integration, career education, community engagement, and institutional reform.

Planned innovations involve digital learning platforms, an enhanced curriculum framework, teacher training, strengthened TVET programmes, and improved monitoring/evaluation mechanisms.

Kenechukwu Nwosu, the senior special assistant to the governor on education, said the initiative is a response to the urgent need for education sector reform.

He noted that the government has allocated 20 per cent of this year’s budget to education, demonstrating its commitment to the sector.

Bolaji Osimen, the ERIT lead, highlighted the team’s ongoing work in the state since 2023, with 180 professionals specializing in areas such as education technology and TVET.

She noted that training has already begun for head teachers, principals, school support officers, and 2,000 teachers from state-owned schools.

Osimen described Abia FIRST as a comprehensive initiative designed to address challenges in education from the early years to the tertiary level.