In a bold move aimed at improving the quality of education in the region, the Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area (LGA) of Enugu State has enforced a ban on teachers and children engaging in hawking during school hours. The new directive, announced on Friday, aims to ensure that both educators and students focus entirely on their educational responsibilities during school hours. The move is part of the local government’s wider plan to restore discipline in public schools and win back the trust of parents who have been increasingly dissatisfied with the public education system.
The ban, which is now firmly in place, states that any teacher or child found engaging in hawking or any form of business during school hours will face strict consequences. Furthermore, the local government has vowed to arrest and imprison any parent whose child is caught violating the ban. The chairman of the Public School Supervision Committee (PSSC), Dr. Amadi Aroh, delivered the warning during a meeting with Education Secretaries, Headteachers, and members of the School-Based Management Committee (SBMC) in Ogbede, a town within Igbo-Etiti.
Dr. Aroh’s message to teachers was clear: “We will no longer tolerate teachers who use school hours for business activities.” He sternly advised teachers involved in such practices to consider resigning from their positions if they were not willing to fully commit to their teaching responsibilities. According to Dr. Aroh, teachers who engage in side businesses during school hours are not only neglecting their duties but also contributing to the erosion of trust in public schools. This behavior, he claimed, has pushed many parents to choose private schools for their children, which often come with exorbitant fees.
“The actions of a few undedicated teachers are tarnishing the reputation of our public schools,” Dr. Aroh stated, calling for greater accountability. He further expressed his commitment to restoring public schools to their former glory, emphasizing that the PSSC was determined to regain the confidence of parents who have been disappointed by the quality of education in the region.
Dr. Aroh’s stance on education reflects a broader concern about the state of public schools in Nigeria. While private schools continue to grow in number and popularity, many of them are often criticized for their high fees and questionable standards. Dr. Aroh acknowledged that although some private schools were substandard, the pressure on parents to find better educational options for their children has led them to opt for private institutions.
The PSSC chairman’s recent actions are part of a concerted effort to revitalize public education in Igbo-Etiti LGA. By cracking down on teachers who divide their attention between education and business, the local government aims to create a more focused and productive learning environment for students. The ultimate goal is to offer a more attractive and effective public school system that can compete with private institutions.
Dr. Aroh also made it clear that the PSSC’s aim is not to punish teachers unfairly. “We are not interested in witch-hunting anyone,” he stated. “However, we will not hesitate to sanction anyone found neglecting their responsibilities.” The PSSC intends to hold all teachers and headteachers accountable to ensure that they adhere to the standards expected of them.
Mr. Johnson Nwafor, the Education Secretary for Igbo-Etiti LGA, also expressed his full support for the initiative. In his remarks, he emphasized that the collaboration of the four educational authorities in Igbo-Etiti—West, East, North, and Central—would be crucial in driving the reform of public schools in the region.
“Repositioning public schools in Igbo-Etiti will alleviate the financial burden on parents who are currently paying exorbitant fees for private education,” Nwafor said. He added that the government’s efforts would allow more children to receive quality education without the financial strain that comes with attending private schools.
Nwafor also commended Dr. Aroh for his leadership and dedication to improving education in the region. “Dr. Aroh is the right person for this task,” he stated. “He is a square peg in a square hole.” His support for the PSSC’s measures demonstrates the local government’s strong commitment to educational reform.
In addition to discussing the ban on hawking, the meeting also focused on the overall state of education in Igbo-Etiti LGA. Members of the School-Based Management Committee (SBMC) also shared their concerns and suggestions. One member, Mr. Paul Agada from Okpara Memorial Primary School in Ikolo, urged the committee to create a more conducive learning environment for children in the area.
“There is a need for better facilities and an environment that supports effective learning,” Agada said. He called for investments in infrastructure and resources that would enhance the quality of education in Igbo-Etiti’s public schools.
With the introduction of these new measures, Igbo-Etiti LGA is signalling a fresh approach to education. By banning hawking during school hours and addressing the issue of teacher dedication, the local government is taking bold steps to improve the public education system. However, it is clear that much work remains to be done to restore the full trust of parents and the community.
The local government’s decision to enforce these changes comes at a time when many Nigerians are questioning the quality of education across the country. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), access to quality education remains a significant challenge in many parts of Nigeria. Ensuring that teachers remain committed to their roles and that students have an undistracted environment for learning is a vital first step in addressing these challenges.
