Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has declared that denying any child access to education is a criminal act, especially now that the state operates a free education policy.
The governor made the statement on Wednesday during the 2026 Children’s Day celebration held in Awka, the state capital.
Speaking at the event themed “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,” Soludo warned that his administration would fully enforce its zero-tolerance policy against out-of-school children.
According to him, parents who allow their children to roam the streets during school hours instead of attending school could face arrest and possible detention.
“If we grab any child within school hours, we will criminalise it for the parents,” Soludo said.
The governor stressed that no child in Anambra should be out of school for any reason, especially with free education now available across the state.
“For me, it’s criminal to deny any child education,” he added.
Soludo explained that under the government’s reform plans, parents and guardians would be held responsible whenever children are found hawking, begging, or roaming the streets during school hours.
He said the state government intends to compel parents to prioritise education through stricter enforcement measures.
The governor also disclosed that Anambra currently records one of the lowest rates of out-of-school children in Nigeria.
According to him, UNESCO’s last report placed the state’s out-of-school figure at 2.9 per cent, although he believes the number may now be lower following the introduction of free education.
“Our goal is to drive it to zero,” Soludo stated.
Beyond education, the governor also promised to establish a separate Juvenile Correctional Centre for child offenders in the state.
He noted that keeping children in detention facilities alongside adults is inappropriate and harmful.
“Putting child offenders in the same cell with adults isn’t right,” he said.
Soludo further pledged greater attention to inclusive education for children living with disabilities and announced plans for a dedicated toll-free support line for abused children.
Speaking on this year’s Children’s Day theme, the governor stressed that every Nigerian child deserves equal opportunities and a sense of belonging regardless of background, gender, or physical ability.
“Inclusion must be the moral foundation of national development,” he stated.
Earlier at the event, the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Esther Onyekesi, praised the wife of the governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, for her efforts toward improving child welfare through her Healthy Living Initiative.
She also reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to tackling child abuse, trafficking, street hawking, and child labour in the state.
The Children’s Day celebration featured march-pasts and performances by pupils and children’s groups from different schools across Anambra State.
Source: Remarks by Governor Chukwuma Soludo during the 2026 Children’s Day celebration in Awka / NAN.
