The Abia State Government has directed traditional rulers to ensure that every child of school age in their community returns to school as the new academic term begins on January 13.
The government in a statement signed by Prince Nnamdi Elekwachi, the Director of Chieftaincy Affairs, revealed that traditional rulers across the state have been tasked with the responsibility of enforcing the “Back to School” mandate in their respective communities.
The directive calls on traditional rulers to collaborate with Presidents-General, Traditional Prime Ministers, Ezeogos, and village heads to inform their subjects about the policy.
The government has emphasized that any child found loitering, hawking, or wandering during school hours will face immediate action from a specially constituted Taskforce. Parents and guardians of such children will be subjected to severe sanctions.
Prince Elekwachi reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring access to education for every child in the state and stressed that this policy takes effect immediately.
The involvement of traditional rulers underscores the government’s reliance on grassroots leadership to drive compliance and achieve universal education for children in Abia State.