Dr Eric Odo, Chairman, Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State, has vowed to arrest parents of any child hawking goods during school hours.
Odo said on Monday that he would do his best to reposition public schools in the council area as a strategy to end out-of-school syndrome.
Odo spoke during the inauguration of Public School Supervision Committee (PSSC) of the council area, at the council’s headquarters, Ogbede.
“The PSSC is headed by Dr Amadi Aroh.
Odo charged the PSSC to ensure that out-of- school children would be enroled back to school, adding that the council would provide uniforms, bags, sandals, and other things needed to achieve the aim.
Odo said that there was no reason for any child not to be in school.
He charged the PSSC to return the glory of public schools and populate classrooms with children.
He urged the council to ensure that teachers would use government-approved curriculum to ensure quality learning.
“Children must go back to school and school must return to what it was. We will treat any sick child and provide one meal per day for pupils, if need be.
“I want the PSSC to reposition primary education in Igbo-Etiti, and we will provide operational vehicles to enable the committee to succeed.
“I expect the committee to submit weekly reports on schools visited as well as observation made, including punishment for teachers who fail in their duties,” Odo said.
The council boss also charged the PSSC to fish out ‘mushroom private schools where unqualified persons destroy, instead of nurture young minds’.
According to him, his administration will not only close such schools but will also arrest the proprietors.
Speaking on behalf of the PSSC, the chairman, Aroh, commended the council boss for demonstrating good leadership.
Aroh promised that the committee would deliver on its mandate.
