By Kelechi Ugo
Palpable fear has been pervading every Imo State indigene studying in the State owned Tertiary Institutions over the true position and continuity of the free education policy of Governor Rochas Okorocha’s present rescue mission government in the State.
Although, no official statement has been made by the state government, but parents and students are still living in fear as some of them who did not want their names in print exclusively told Trumpeta that close sources from government House had informed them that State government lacks funds to continue the free education programme especially in the tertiary institutions and as such may return tuition in the higher institutions.
They queried why Governor Okorocha should return tuition into the state owned tertiary institutions after they massively voted for him in April 11th and April 25th, 2015 supplementary elections in Imo State.
“We demonstrated love and support for Governor Okorocha ranging from 2011 till date. His Excellency should continue the free education programme if actually he is assuring us that he had scarified his security votes for the sake of free education policy in Imo”.
A student of Imo State University (IMSU) reliably told Trumpeta that the school management has not announced payment of school fees be it old or new scheme.
When our reporter visited Imo State University Owerri yesterday to ascertain the true position of the free education programme, the institution’s Public Relations Officer informed that the vice chancellor who suppose to address the issue was not on seat, but he however promised to invite newsmen for press briefing whenever his principal resumes duties.
In a swift reaction, the Special Assistant to Governor Rochas Okorocha on student’s matters, Comrade Chukwubuike God’stime Samuel assured Imolites that Imo State government has no plan to stop free education.
“His Excellency Owelle Rochas Okorocha always keeps to his promises, free education continues till next four years. People should not live in fear about Imo free education policy, it is real. His Excellency has decided to extend free education to non-indigenes studying in the State owned higher institutions”, Comrade Samuel submitted.
