The Abia state government said it would begin a “hunt” for children who are out of school during school hours.

Goodluck Ubochi, the state commissioner for basic and secondary education, said Abia’s education marshals will commence the hunt on March 1, 2025.

Ubochi spoke on Tuesday, Feb. 25, during a press conference.

He said pupils not found in school during school hours would be arrested and used to find and apprehend their parents who would be punished.

He said the government would enforce school attendance by pupils because it has invested in giving them a better education.

One in every three Nigerian children is estimated to be out of school, including 10.2 million at the primary level and 8.1 million at the junior secondary level according to UNICEF data.