Parents, Guardians in Gombe State May Face Jail If Children Not Sent to school!
Sele Media Africa
Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan
Gombe State, in Northern Nigeria, has introduced a strict enforcement of its education laws: parents and guardians who fail to enroll their children in school could face jail time. [1]
The measure was reiterated during the inauguration of the 2025/2026 School Enrolment Campaign in Amada, Akko Local Government Area. The Chairman of the Gombe State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Babaji Babadidi, declared that those who default may be prosecuted under Section 19(2) of the SUBEB Amendment Law 2021. [1]
What the Law Says
- Under Section 19(2), a parent or guardian who does not send their child to primary, junior or senior secondary school commits an offence. [1]
- The first conviction may lead to either a fine or one‑month imprisonment. Subsequent convictions attract harsher penalties, including up to two months in jail. [1] Why This Step
- Gombe State has an estimated 700,000 out‑of‑school children, making enrolment campaigns essential. [1]
- The government had previously tried “carrot” measures—like free education and school supplies—but now warns it may fully switch to “stick” (legal enforcement) if enrollment targets aren’t met. [1]
- The state aims to enrol 400,000 students in primary schools for the 2025/26 session. [1] Reactions & Implications
- Education officials say this is not just about attending school but ensuring quality basic education and that children also learn trades when needed. [1]
- UNICEF has described the number of out-of-school children in Gombe as “alarming.” [1]
- The policy sends a strong message: access to education is not optional, and legal backing is now being used to ensure compliance.
Citations:
- Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2025/09/send-your-child-to-school-or-risk-jail-gombe-govt/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
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