By Dabere Ik
Anambra East Local Government Area has launched a compulsory back-to-school initiative, emphasizing the importance of education for a brighter future.
The Chairman of the council, Sir Ifeanyi Chinweze declared the compulsory return to school, which kicked off on Thursday March 27, 2025.
At the kickoff event, Deputy Mayor Dr. Lady Martiner Nwawube represented the mayor and urged key stakeholders to support the initiative.
The stakeholders include president generals, market union chairmen, education officers, religious leaders, headteachers, and supervisors of education.
The initiative aims to ensure that all children in Anambra East LGA have access to quality education. Key stakeholders, including president generals, market union chairmen, education officers, religious leaders, headteachers, and supervisors of education, have been urged to support the initiative.
Here are the guidelines for the back-to-school campaign:
– *Free Education*: Education is free in all public primary schools.
– *No Levies*: There shall be no levies of any form.
– *No Child Left Behind*: No child should be sent home due to lack of uniform, sandals, or books.
– *Parental Responsibility*: Parents and guardians must send their wards to school.
– *Child Protection*: Children found hawking or loitering during school hours will be arrested, and their parents or guardians will be prosecuted.
– *Prohibition of Child Labour*: Child labour is prohibited in schools. Teachers must not engage pupils in farming or domestic work during school hours.
– *Teacher Accountability*: Teachers must be punctual and dedicated, as routine checks will be carried out by the education committee.
– *Consequences of Default*: Any headteacher or teacher who defaults will be reported to the Governor.
Key officials present at the meeting included the Speaker of the Legislative Council, Rt. Hon. Pst. Okafor Onichie; Supervisor on Education, Hon Malachi Onuorah; and Supervisor on Health, Hon Kenneth Chukwuemeka Onwuegbuzina, supervisor on budget, Hon Chilokwe Michael A, SA Environment, Ven Emmanuel Ik Onovo, ES Anambra East Onwuachu Caroline I, HOD Education Social, Okafor Njideka among others.
