Abia State to Arrest Parents of Children Found Outside School During School Hours

The Abia State Government has announced plans to launch a “hunt” for children who are out of school during school hours.

Goodluck Ubochi, the state Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, stated that Abia’s education marshals will begin the initiative on March 1, 2025.

Ubochi made this announcement on Tuesday, February 25, during a press conference.

He explained that pupils found outside school during school hours would be arrested and used to locate and apprehend their parents, who would then face punishment.

Ubochi emphasized that the government is committed to enforcing school attendance, as it has invested significantly in providing quality education for children.

According to UNICEF data, one in every three Nigerian children is out of school, including 10.2 million at the primary level and 8.1 million at the junior secondary level.