A woman has recounted what she described as the strict enforcement of school attendance during Peter Obi’s tenure as governor of Anambra State, saying children caught hawking during school hours faced immediate intervention by authorities.
According to her, any school-age child found selling goods on the streets while classes were in session was taken to a police station instead of being allowed to continue trading.
She alleged that the enforcement extended to parents and guardians, who were required to explain why their children were absent from school before they could secure their release.
The woman said the approach was intended to discourage child hawking and ensure that every child of school age remained in the classroom, especially as public education was free under the state’s policy at the time.
Recalling the experience, she said: “When Peter Obi was governor of Anambra State, if your child was caught hawking during school hours, the child would be taken to the police station. When you came to secure the child’s release, you would be arrested and asked to explain why the child was not in school because education was free.”
Her account has generated widespread discussion on social media, with users expressing differing opinions about the reported measures and their impact on education in the state.
Some commentators described the policy as a firm but effective strategy for improving school attendance and safeguarding children’s right to education.
Others, however, argued that economic hardship often forces families to rely on income generated by children, suggesting that poverty should also be addressed alongside enforcement measures.
The discussion has renewed public interest in education reforms introduced during Obi’s administration, with many reflecting on how policies aimed at reducing child labour and increasing school enrolment shaped the state’s education sector.
