The Lagos State Government announced a ban on children appearing in public streets during official school hours. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Governor of Lagos State, disclosed this policy during a press briefing at the State House in Alausa. He stated that the measure sought to curb truancy and ensure children remained in classrooms.
“We will no longer tolerate children roaming the streets when they should be in school,” Sanwo-Olu said. “This policy applies to all children of school age during the hours of 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays.”
Rationale Behind the Policy
Officials explained that the ban addressed the persistent problem of school absenteeism. Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for Education in Lagos State, noted that thousands of children regularly skipped classes. He linked this trend to rising juvenile delinquency and poor academic performance.
“Parents have a duty to ensure their children attend school,” Wahab stated. “The government will enforce this responsibility through this new directive.”
Furthermore, Wahab emphasized that the policy aligned with the state’s broader education reform agenda. He added that street hawking and loitering exposed children to dangers including traffic accidents and criminal exploitation.
Enforcement Mechanisms
The government outlined specific measures to implement the ban. Task forces comprising officials from the Ministry of Education, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps will patrol designated areas. They will intercept children found outside school premises during restricted hours.
“Any child caught violating this order will be taken to a holding center,” Sanwo-Olu explained. “Parents or guardians must then retrieve them and provide valid explanations.”
In addition, the governor warned that repeat offenders would face sanctions. “We will prosecute parents who consistently fail to keep their children in school,” he said. “The Child Rights Law provides penalties for such negligence.”
Public Reaction
Stakeholders responded to the announcement with mixed views. Folasade Adefisayo, the former Commissioner for Education, expressed support for the initiative. She described it as a necessary step to protect vulnerable children.”This policy recognizes that education is not optional,” Adefisayo commented. “It sends a clear message that the state prioritizes learning.”
However, civil society organizations raised concerns about implementation. Ayo Obe, a human rights lawyer based in Lagos, questioned the capacity of government facilities to handle intercepted children. She also warned against potential abuses during enforcement.”The intention appears commendable,” Obe noted. “But the government must ensure humane treatment and avoid criminalizing poverty.”
Economic Considerations
The ban also sparked debate about child labor. Many families in Lagos depend on income generated by children who sell goods in traffic or work in informal sectors. Kehinde Ajayi, a market trader in Oshodi, described the policy as disruptive to household survival strategies.
“My children help me sell after school,” Ajayi said. “But sometimes they go out during school hours when sales are slow at home. This ban will hurt us.”Consequently, officials promised complementary measures. The Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation will expand cash transfer programs for indigent families. Sanwo-Olu indicated that the government recognized the economic pressures driving child labor.
“We are not insensitive to poverty,” the governor stated. “That is why we pair enforcement with social support.”
