The Imo Youths For Positive Change has said that the outgoing governor of the state, Rochas Okorocha, would be remembered for introducing free education in the state.
The group’s spokesman, Chidiebere Ukonu, said this at a press conference in Owerri, the state capital, on Sunday.
Ukonu said although Okorocha made impact in agriculture, security, infrastructure and health care, his administration’s free education from primary to university level was a “legendary policy.”
He urged the state governor-elect, Emeka Ihedioha, and other state governors to learn from Okorocha’s strides in education.
Ukonu said, “We have called this press conference to commend the outgoing Imo State Governor for his wisdom in introducing free education from primary to university levels in the state since 2012.
“The gains of this laudable policy cannot be undermined. We are not unmindful of his achievements in the other sectors, but his golden signature in Imo’s education sector is indelible.
“It is our desire that the incoming governor, Emeka Ihedioha, will sustain this free education policy.
“Other state governors should also introduce free education up to the university level in their respective states.
“We are saying this because the youth are the direct beneficiaries of this free education. It is a generational empowerment which defines the destiny of a people.”
“An educated society is free from terrorism, banditry, insurgency and all forms of crimes we are experiencing today in parts of Northern Nigeria.”
Ukonu said the establishment of new universities, polytechnics and colleges of education by the outgoing governor was commendable.
He urged the governor-elect not to scrap the institutions, because they will boost the state’s education sector.
PUNCH
