From Desmond Mgboh, Kano
The Kano State government has threatened to sanction any parent the state whose children are found on the streets during school hours.
The State Commissioner of Education, Umar Doguwa issued the threat on Sunday during a stakeholders meeting with women in the state held at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano
Doguwa stressed that government will not tolerate absenteeism, lateness or school aged children roaming the streets during school hours.
He noted that education is free in the state, adding that government has equally provided transportation for students hence the need for parents to ensure that they send their children to school.
According to him, “When we came on board, we met 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 without 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 budget on education, promise to pay salary on time, repair 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 it is to send their wards to school?
“So the component that is remaining now is the student aspect which we decide to reach out to the parents to know the importance of education, their commitment to allow their children to be in school in 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 by 8am. And if they didn’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 on children who come to school late.