By Amaka Abayomi

FIFTY seven years ago, free education was introduced in Nigeria by late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, as Premier of defunt Western Region. 57 years down the line, most schools in Nigeria are still fee-paying.

Determined to prove that Awolowo’s free education is, indeed, still  possible at all levels in Nigeria, Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, last Tuesday, announced the extension of free education to Imo State indigenes in Imo State government-owned institutions of higher learning, doing what has been termed impossible in this part of the globe.

In his State of Imo address, Gov. Okorocha stated that from next academic session, Imo State indigenes in Imo State University (IMSU) would receive N100,000 as grant while HND and OND students of Imo State Polytechnic would receive N80,000 and N60,000 respectively.

According to the Governor, the reforms in the school system would also entail the monetization of the current free education whereby each recipient from IMSU would get N70,000 free and N30,000 as interest free loan to be paid upon completion of studies.

Those at OND level in the state polytechnic will get N40,000 free and N20,000 loan while those at HND level will get N60,000 free and N20,000 loan.

Explaining the rationale behind the policy, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Print Media, Mr. Ebere Uzoukwa, told Vanguard Learning that the governor wants Imo students to feel the impact of government on their education rather than just giving the money to the schools’ management for disbursement. Uzoukwa disclosed that the scholarship would cost the government over N2.5bn per session.

This step towards achieving free education for all by the Imo State governor has drawn commendations from all quarters, especially from students who have urged other state governors to replicate same.

Speaking in a different forum, former Lagos State governor and one of the five Unity Party of Nigeria’s governors that implemented the policy from 1979 to 1983, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, said “It is nonsense to say free education is not possible.

It is achievable today, not tomorrow and the country is very capable to fund free education if we have total commitment from our leaders. We have the human and material resources. We have the duty to provide education for our children because that is the greatest gift any government can give to the Nigerian child. Now more than ever, is there the necessity for free education in Nigeria.”

Quoting statistics from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), that there were 23 million children now out of school, Jakande noted that the dismal figure constitutes more than twice or thrice the total population of some countries.

In a telephone chat with Vanguard Learning, the National President, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Dauda Mohammed said “Nigerian students are delighted with the news and we are urging other governors to follow suit and take education to enviable heights. With the resources available to the governor and his pedigree, we are optimistic of the workability and sustainability of this project.”

In agreement is the IMSU’s SUG President, Com. Sammuel Opara, who said “This is a welcome development that was thought unthinkable as it would ease parents the stress of paying school fees and also allow more people to become educated. If government sticks to its plans, we are positive that this would be successful.”

But despite the praises, Nigerians are skeptic about the sustainability of this project, bearing in mind that this would be a first for tertiary institutions.

Allaying the fears of concerned Nigerians on the funding and sustenance of the policy, Imo State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Adaobi Obasi, told Vanguard Learning that “The governor slashed his security vote and that of other principal functionaries of the state by N4bn.

“Also, the moribund industries in the state have been revived and taxes paid by these industries would help make it a mighty success.”

Though Pa Obafemi Awolowo bequeathed free education to students in South-West states, but the implementation of free education from primary to varsity levels in Nigeria largely depends on the success or failure of Governor Rochas Okorochas’ free education for all in Imo State.