The Abia State Government has announced a bold measure aimed at tackling educational neglect by ordering the arrest of parents and guardians whose children are found outside school premises during school hours. This initiative is part of the government’s commitment to ensuring that every child in the state receives compulsory basic education.
Government’s Justification for the Policy
The Commissioner for Education in Abia State explained that the new directive is a response to the alarming rate of out-of-school children, which has negatively impacted literacy levels and child development. The government believes that enforcing school attendance will help:
Reduce child labor and street hawking
Improve literacy and academic performance
Ensure children acquire necessary skills for a brighter future
Strengthen the implementation of the Universal Basic Education (UBE) policy
Penalties for Defaulting Parents
According to the government, parents whose children are found outside during school hours will face legal consequences, including:
Fines and possible imprisonment
Mandatory enrollment of their children in school
Regular monitoring to ensure compliance
Security agencies and community leaders have been tasked with enforcing the policy by reporting cases of children found loitering or engaging in street hawking instead of being in school.
Public Reactions and Concerns
The decision has sparked mixed reactions among citizens:
Supporters argue that the policy will improve the state’s education system and reduce the number of uneducated youths who may become involved in crime or poverty.
Critics believe that arresting parents may be too harsh, considering that many families struggle financially and often rely on their children to contribute to household income.
Possible Challenges in Implementation
While the policy aims to boost school attendance, experts warn that the government must address key challenges, including:
Providing free and quality education to accommodate more students
Reducing financial burdens on low-income families
Ensuring school infrastructure and teacher availability
Creating alternative vocational training for children from struggling backgrounds
Final Thoughts
The Abia State Government’s zero-tolerance stance on out-of-school children is a significant step toward educational reform. However, successful implementation will require community engagement, financial support for struggling families, and improved learning facilities to ensure that all children benefit from the policy.
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Written By Fortune Davidson