Residents of Akwa Ibom State have called on the state government to introduce measures that will ease the financial difficulties preventing many children from going to school.

The call comes as the Akwa Ibom State Government intensifies plans to address the growing cases of truancy, street hawking and the failure of parents to enrol their school-age children.

The state government had recently announced plans to set up a task force that will ensure all children of school age are in school during school hours and not roaming the streets.

According to the government, the task force will be saddled with
the responsibility of monitoring communities, motor parks, markets and streets to identify children who ought to be in the classroom.

It explained that the initiative is part of efforts to enforce the free and compulsory education policy of the state and to tackle the menace of out-of-school children.

Akwa Ibom State is one of the states in Nigeria that operates a free and compulsory education policy from primary to secondary school level, aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school children.

However, despite the policy, a significant number of children are still seen on the streets of Uyo and other parts of the state during school hours engaging in street trading and other activities.

This situation has raised concerns among stakeholders, who have attributed the problem to a combination of economic hardship, parental negligence and lack of strict enforcement.

Speaking with Uyo Infomedia in an interview, a resident of the state, Victories Nnamso, expressed optimism that the proposed task force would help address the challenge.

Victories Nnamso said she believes the task force will play a crucial role in identifying children who are out of school and encouraging them to return to their studies.

According to her, many children who are currently out of school want to be in school but are forced by circumstances beyond their control to stay away from the classroom.

She noted that if the task force approaches the issue with understanding and empathy, it will be able to convince both parents and children on the importance of education.

She further stated that returning such children to school would not only improve their future prospects but would also reduce juvenile delinquency and other social vices in the society.

Another resident, Evans Willie, while reacting to the development, said there is a need to look beyond enforcement and address the underlying economic factors driving the problem.

Evans Willie explained that some children engage in street trading not out of choice but to help support their families meet basic needs in the face of economic difficulties.

He said many parents are struggling to feed their families, pay rent and meet other financial obligations, thereby relying on the little income generated by their children through hawking.

According to him, any effort aimed at improving school attendance should also consider providing economic support or palliatives to vulnerable households to enable them to keep their children in school.

He suggested that the government should complement the task force with empowerment programmes, scholarships and school feeding initiatives that will make schooling more attractive and affordable.

Evans Willie maintained that if families are economically stable, they will naturally prioritize the education of their children without being forced to do so.

Also speaking on the matter, another resident, Akan Okon, commended the state government for the initiative, describing it as a step in the right direction.

Akan Okon said he believes the proposed task force will encourage parents to take the education of their children more seriously and live up to their parental responsibilities.

He noted that some parents have become complacent about their children’s education, allowing them to roam the streets during school hours instead of ensuring they attend classes.

According to him, the presence of a monitoring and enforcement team will serve as a deterrent to such parents and make them understand that education is not optional.

He added that education remains the best legacy parents can give to their children and the surest way to secure a better future for them.

The resident expressed hope that the task force would not only enforce compliance but also sensitize parents and communities on the long-term benefits of education.

Meanwhile, the Akwa Ibom State Government has reiterated that the proposed task force is not intended to witch-hunt any family but to support the implementation of its free and compulsory education policy.

The government explained that its goal is to ensure that every child of school age in the state is given the opportunity to access quality education irrespective of background.

It assured that the task force will be made up of responsible and trained personnel who will carry out their duties professionally and with respect for human rights.

The government also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders and parents to cooperate with the task force and support efforts to ensure that all children are in school.

It maintained that with collective support, the state will be able to significantly reduce the number of out-of-school children and build a more educated and prosperous Akwa Ibom State.