February 18, (THEWILL) – The Kano State Government says it will sanction parents whose children are found roaming the streets during school hours.
The State Commissioner of Education, Umar Doguwa, sounded the warning on Sunday, during a stakeholders’ meeting with women on the significance of girls’ education as a key impetus for accelerated socio-economic development of the state.
Doguwa said the government would not tolerate absenteeism, lateness and children roaming the streets during school hours.
He said that the State Government had made education free just as it had provided means of transportation to convey students to school, among other gestures, hence the need for parents to complement the government’s efforts by sending their wards to school.
“When we came on board, we met the education sector in a pathetic situation. We have 5.3 million students in the state, we met about 4.5 students sitting on the floor without chairs and teaching materials.
“The previous administration shut down 28 boarding schools. We have over 32,000 students in those schools. After the closure, we now have about 9,000 students in boarding schools. Most of them are now in day schools.
“So, if the government under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf allocated 29.7 per cent of the budget on education, promised to pay salary on time, repaired about 70 high capacity vehicles to transport the children to school, we monitor the conduct of the teachers, what about children who don’t go to school and the parents whose role is to send their wards to school?
“So, the component that is remaining now is the students’ aspect, which we decided to reach out to the parents to know the importance of education and their commitment to allow their children to be in school at a good time.
“If we find a child coming late to school, we will invite the parents, explain the situation to them and tell them we want them (children) to come to school by 8 a.m. And if they don’t heed the call, we will do the needful.
“The way we take measures on teachers who come to school late, so we will take measures against children who come to school late.
“Parents must realise that they have a responsibility to send their children (both male and female) to school,” the Commissioner said.
On her part, the Secretary, High Level Women Association (HILWA), Hajia Ladidi Fagge, said the closure of the boarding schools was the reason why girls dropped out of school in the state and are now engaged in street hawking, among other endeavours.
She, however, solicited the support of the parents, especially women, to complement the government’s efforts by sending their children to school to complete their academic pursuits and attain their full potential in life.
About the Author
Abdullahi Yusuf is a seasoned journalist, communicator and was previously the Deputy Editor-In-Chief and Zonal Manager, News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Jos, where he retired on December 15, 2021
