The Ondo State Government has warned that students found roaming the streets during school hours will be arrested and sanctioned.
Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, issued the warning in Akure while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday.
Ajibefun said the government was setting up a taskforce in each of the three senatorial districts to enforce the order.
“The taskforce comprises mainly retired principals and teachers from the locality to complement the ministry’s efforts. We cannot do it alone,” the commissioner said.
He explained that aside from apprehending erring students, heads of schools would also be sanctioned for failing to enforce discipline. He stressed that the move followed Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s directive for a clampdown on truancy in public schools.
“Students must desist from roaming the streets during school hours to ensure the realisation of their academic pursuits and parents’ dreams.
“Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration remains committed to providing quality education for all children in Ondo State,” Ajibefun told NAN.