Nasarawa State is cracking down on out-of-school children, warning parents that failure to enrol their children could lead to prosecution.
Dr. Kassim Muhammed-Kassim, Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), said every child has a right to basic education, not a privilege.
Speaking at a one-day Education Summit in Lafia, Muhammed-Kassim said the summit aimed to improve basic education across all 13 local councils.
He highlighted ongoing challenges, including a shortage of qualified teachers and illegal promotions that undermine the system.
To raise awareness, the SUBEB chairman announced a massive sensitisation campaign using town hall meetings and the media.
Seven buses have already been procured to support the outreach and ensure communities understand the importance of school enrolment.
Muhammed-Kassim stressed that no child would be left behind under the current administration, reaffirming the state’s commitment to strengthening the foundation of learning.
He urged parents and guardians to cooperate to secure the future of every child.
Governor Abdullahi Sule, who declared the summit open, said the state will today kick off the construction of a $90 million paper mill in Keffi.
The project is expected to create jobs and support Nasarawa’s broader development agenda while complementing ongoing education reforms.