The Benue State Government is providing free education from primary to junior secondary school, JSS 3, for children whose parents cannot afford school fees.
Mrs. Mary Ejeh, Director of Child Welfare at the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Wednesday in Makurdi.
Ejeh stated that the initiative, implemented through the Ministry of Women Affairs, ensures that any child willing to receive an education can attend public schools at no cost.
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“So far, most of the children have left the streets and are now in school. The government is doing everything possible to ensure they remain in school,” she said.
“Although we can’t force them to attend school, if they are willing to learn, they can go to any government school for free.”
Regarding the enforcement of the Child Rights Act, Ejeh noted that there have been no reported prosecutions for violations.
“The Child Rights Law has been fully implemented by the government, but so far, we have not received any reports of individuals being prosecuted for violating it.
“The government welcomes any information that can lead to the arrest of anyone who breaches the Child Rights Act,” she added.
NAN
