Dr. Eric Odo, Chairman of Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area in Enugu State, has announced strict measures to combat child hawking during school hours. He pledged to arrest parents of children caught hawking as part of efforts to end the out-of-school crisis and improve public education in the council area.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Public School Supervision Committee (PSSC) in Ogbede, the council’s headquarters, Odo outlined his administration’s strategies to revitalize public education.
- Enrolling out-of-school children and providing them with free uniforms, bags, sandals, and other essentials.
Restoring the quality and prestige of public schools by ensuring adherence to the government-approved curriculum. - Conducting regular school inspections and submitting weekly reports on progress and challenges.
Strict Measures to Boost Education.
He also emphasized that all children must attend school, adding that the council would provide free healthcare for sick students and introduce a one-meal-per-day program if necessary. The administration will also supply operational vehicles to the PSSC to enhance their work efficiency.
Clampdown on Substandard Schools
The council chief warned against unregulated private schools, describing them as detrimental to education. He vowed to close down such institutions and arrest proprietors operating without proper qualifications.
He urged teachers to uphold their responsibilities and warned of disciplinary actions against non-compliance. “Schools must return to what they used to be, and every child must be in school,” he asserted.
Speaking on behalf of the committee, Dr. Amadi Iroh, praised the council chairman for his leadership and commitment to improving education. He assured the public that the committee would fulfill its mandate to transform primary education in the region.
These reforms reflect the council’s determination to prioritize education and eliminate barriers that hinder children from accessing quality learning opportunities.
