Kwara lawmakers move to curb students’ hawking during school hours

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin –

Kwara State lawmakers have called on Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq to direct the Ministry of Communication to intensify sensitisation of parents and guardians on the dangers of sending their children to hawk during school hours. They also urged strict enforcement of penalties against violators.

The resolution followed a motion titled “The Need to Curb Hawking by Students During School Hours in Kwara State” (KWHAM 10), moved by Hon. Yusuf Maryam Aladi (Ilorin South) and seconded by Hon. Saba Yisa Gideon (Edu), during plenary in Ilorin on Wednesday.

Leading the debate, Hon. Aladi noted that education remains the greatest legacy to bequeath to the younger generation, serving as a foundation for every child. She reminded the House that the domesticated Child Rights Act makes education mandatory for all children in the state.

She commended Governor Abdulrazaq’s administration for prioritising education through massive infrastructure projects, recruitment of teaching and non-teaching staff, prompt salary payments, and continuous training of teachers.

However, Aladi expressed concern that despite these efforts, some parents still exhibit a nonchalant attitude by sending their children to hawk on the streets when they ought to be in the classroom. She warned that such practices undermine the state’s investment in education and jeopardise the future of the affected children.

The lawmakers, therefore, urged the Governor to mandate the Secretary to the State Government to work with the Ministry of Education and the State Universal Basic Education Board to set up a technical team to enforce the Child Rights Law.

They stressed that enforcement measures, alongside robust sensitisation campaigns, would help discourage parents from flouting education laws.

Other lawmakers who supported the motion included Hon. Owolabi Olatunde Rasak (Share/Oke-Ode), Hon. Mohammed Baba Salihu (Okuta/Yashikira), Hon. Bello Yinusa Oniboki (Afon), Hon. Abdullahi Halidu Danbaba (Kaiama/Kemanji/Wajibe), Hon. Rukayat Motunrayo Shittu (Owode/Onire), and Hon. Arinola Fatima Lawal (Ilorin East).