Edo To Jail Parents Of Out Of School Children

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State Government, Southsouth Nigeria, has warned that parents and guardians who fail to send their children and wards to school will be prosecuted.

The governor, who spoke during his on-the-spot assessment of teachers’ attendance and punctuality in schools in Edo North, warned that the government was set to strictly enforce the compulsory Universal Basic Education (UBE), adding that Primary and Junior Secondary Education was compulsory under the Universal Basic Education.Oshiomhole, who frowned at the laxity of some teachers, said the government was ready to wield the big stick by dismissing indolent teachers and hire those ready and enthusiastic to work, adding that parents who fail to take advantage of this free education will face the wrath of government.

“You are supposed as a matter of character and conviction come to school on time and ensure that you remain, teach and impart knowledge,” he said, adding that teachers should go beyond working for their wages.

“You must have that affection for your children and passion to teach. If you are not here at 8.00 a.m, how would you know those that get here late? We expect you to take the children as your children.  One of you told me you took your children to school.  You want someone else to teach them.  That is good.  If you don’t teach the ones under you why should people teach your own?” he queried.

The governor advised that “all of us must recognise that the future of Edo State is in your hands and that is why we are doing everything possible to rebuild schools and to restore integrity to public schools and I am happy with the response we are getting that people are withdrawing their children from private schools to public schools.”

He frowned that some students were dressed in mufti and not properly dressed in their uniforms and gave them one week to sew their uniforms or they will be sent out of the classrooms.He warned that parents and guardians of such students will be prosecuted for failing to do their own part in ensuring their children enjoy free education in the state.

The governor, who interacted with the students visited Iyekhei Girls Grammar School, Otaru Grammar School and Ekhei Primary School, all at Auchi in Etsako West Local Government Area.

—Jethro Ibileke/Benin