Non-indigenes excluded from Imo’s free education scheme

The Imo state government has removed non-indigenes in tertiary institutions from the beneficiary list of its free education programme.

Sam Onwuemeodo, chief press secretary to the gov­ernor, disclosed this in a statement, explaining that the action was taken because of the refusal of other states to reciprocate its gestures.

Onwuemeodo also explained that the state government is presently conducting verification of students in all tertiary institutions in the state.

He said the exercise was aimed at mak­ing sure that only bonafide indigenes continue to enjoy the free education programme.

Onwuemdo explained that George Eche, secretary to the state gov­ernment, is in charge of the verification.

The statement said in the past five years, the state government had spent over N40 billion naira in prosecuting the free education programme.