Anambra State Governor Soludo Sanction Parents Over Children Found Outside School During Class Hours

Governor of Anambra State Chukwuma Soludo has ignited nationwide debate after announcing strict enforcement measures against parents who keep their children out of school, warning that such actions will now attract sanctions under a renewed campaign to eliminate out-of-school children.

The declaration was made on Wednesday during the 2026 Children’s Day celebration held in Awka, the capital of Anambra State, where the governor reaffirmed his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on child neglect and street hawking during school hours.

Speaking before a large audience of pupils, teachers, traditional rulers, and government officials, Soludo described the practice of keeping children out of school as both irresponsible and criminal, especially in a state where free education is already available.

“We will commence full enforcement immediately. If we find children outside during school hours, we will hold their parents responsible because denying a child education is criminal,” he stated.

The governor emphasized that education remains the strongest tool for breaking the cycle of poverty, insecurity, and social instability, insisting that every child deserves the opportunity to learn and thrive.

Soludo stressed that the state’s free education policy was deliberately introduced to remove financial barriers that often keep children out of school. According to him, parents now have no justification for allowing school-age children to roam the streets or engage in hawking during school hours.

He added that while Anambra currently records one of the lowest rates of out-of-school children in Nigeria, his administration would not relent until the figure drops to zero.

Beyond enforcement on school attendance, the governor also announced plans to establish a dedicated Juvenile Correctional Centre in the state.

The facility, he explained, would ensure that children in conflict with the law are separated from adult offenders, noting that exposing minors to adult detention facilities often worsens their situation rather than rehabilitating them.

Soludo further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive education, particularly for children living with disabilities. He also revealed plans for a toll-free emergency support line to respond quickly to cases involving abused and vulnerable children across the state.

“Inclusion must become the moral foundation of our society. Every Nigerian child deserves dignity, belonging and the chance to succeed,” he said.

Earlier in her remarks, the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs Esther Onyekesi, commended the First Lady, Dr Nonye Soludo, for her sustained advocacy on child welfare, nutrition, and healthy living across communities in Anambra State.

She also reiterated the ministry’s commitment to strengthening efforts against child labour, abuse, trafficking, and street hawking through collaboration with relevant agencies and community leaders.

The event featured colourful march-pasts, cultural displays, and presentations by pupils from various schools. Participants applauded the state government’s renewed focus on child protection, education access, and inclusive development.

Soludo’s latest policy direction signals a tougher phase in Anambra’s education enforcement drive—one that places equal responsibility on government and parents in ensuring that every child is in school, not on the streets.