Igbekele Ajibwfun, the commissioner for education in Ondo, says the state government will set up a task force to stop pupils from wandering the streets during school hours.
NAN reports that Ajibefun said a task fforce will be set up in each of the three senatorial districts of the state to keep an eye on and arrest any students seen wandering the streets during school hours.
According to him, the state government would prohibit pupils from wandering the streets during school hours and guarantee a complete crackdown on truancy in all of its public schools.
“The task force comprises mainly retired principals and teachers from the locality to complement the ministry’s efforts. We cannot do it alone,” the commissioner said.
He warned that the head of the school in question would face consequences for failing to enforce school rules.
The commissioner stressed that the effort is in line with the directive of Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the state governor, who, he said, had ordered a total clampdown on truancy in schools across Ondo.
He noted that the present administration in the state is against students roaming the streets during school hours.
“Students must desist from roaming the streets during school hours to ensure the realisation of their academic pursuits and parents’ dreams,” Ajibefun said.
“Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration remains committed to providing quality education for all children in Ondo State.”
He urged parents and guardians to collaborate with the government and schools to monitor their children’s education, and advised the students to stay focused on academics to fulfil parental aspirations.
