Soludo Declares Education Denial a Crime in Anambra

On Wednesday, during a celebration for Children's Day in Awka, Anambra State, Governor Chukwuma Soludo declared it criminal to deny any child access to education, particularly under the state's current free education policy. He announced that the state government will fully enforce a zero-tolerance policy against children roaming the streets during school hours, with parents facing arrest for non-compliance.

This initiative aims to address the alarming statistic that Anambra has the lowest number of school children in the country, with UNESCO figures indicating only 2.9% of children receiving free education. Soludo responded to six demands presented by the Children's Parliament, including measures to punish parents of children found outside during school hours.

He also stressed the need for separate detention facilities for juvenile offenders. The governor reiterated his commitment to providing suitable educational environments and ensuring that every Nigerian child, regardless of background, deserves dignity and access to education.