The Gombe State government has warned that parents and guardians who fail to enroll their children in school may face legal consequences, including imprisonment.
Babaji Babadidi, Chairman of the Gombe State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), made this announcement during the launch of the 2025/2026 School Enrolment Campaign in Amada, Akko Local Government Area, on Monday. He cited Section 19(2) of the SUBEB Amendment Law 2021, which stipulates a two-month jail term or a fine for non-compliant parents, with subsequent offenses attracting heavier penalties.
Babadidi emphasized the importance of ensuring every child has access to quality basic education. He noted that while the state has provided free education as an incentive, failure to meet the target of enrolling 400,000 students in primary schools this session could lead to stricter enforcement of the law.
Prof. Aishatu Maigari, the Commissioner for Education, highlighted the alarming figure of over 700,000 out-of-school children in Gombe, with the North-East region contributing 15% to Nigeria’s 18.2 million out-of-school children. She stressed that education equips children with skills and entrepreneurship opportunities, enabling them to become job creators rather than just job seekers. Maigari also noted the government’s investments in education, including providing free exercise books, school bags, and other materials, urging parents to take advantage of these provisions.
Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, UNICEF Bauchi Field Office Chief, described the number of out-of-school children in Gombe as “alarming” and reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to ensuring children’s right to quality education. She called on parents and stakeholders to support the enrolment campaign.
The Emir of Gona, Alhaji Umar Abdulsalam, represented by Gadi Galadima, commended Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s efforts in improving education and pledged community support for the campaign.
The event culminated in the symbolic enrolment of school-age and out-of-school children into primary and post-basic schools.
