I'll give free education, bursaries, scholarships if elected — Politician

A governorship aspirant in Abia State, Sir Chikwe Udensi, has promised to deliver free education, subsidize education materials and awards bursaries and scholarships to students of the state.

Udensi, who is running under the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), said he plans to execute a turnaround of the education sector as part of his plan "to place Abia above other states of the federation academically."

“Education bridges the gap between the so-called rich and the poor. It is the best legacy any proactive government can give to its people," he said.

In pursuance of this vision, the governorship hopeful said education will be free under his government.

"My administration will not only ensure free education at all levels, but also ensure that books and educational materials are subsidised so that every Abia child will have access to qualitative education.”

He also promised to improve teachers' welfare and restore pride to the teaching profession.

Udensi harped on the importance of ICT driven education which he said 75% of Abians lack.

“My government will arouse the conscious of Abia students to ensure that they learn through reading in a globalised world, where information disseminates faster through integrated computer networks," he said.

“We shall equip schools with computers as well as introduce the use of it in our schools to ensure that an average Abia student becomes employable and indispensable, if possible, in his or her chosen profession/career."

Noting the lack of government support for students, the politician promised to initiate the payment of bursaries to students of the state and also assist Abia First Class graduates to further their studies abroad.

The President of the Abia State chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Kalu Okechukwu, hailed Udensi's education transformation agenda and promised him the "votes of the students" during and after the election.