Gombe Warns Parents: Send Your Child to School or Face Jail

The Gombe State Government has warned that parents and guardians who fail to enroll their children in school risk prosecution and possible jail terms.

Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Babaji Babadidi, issued the warning on Monday during the flag-off of the 2025/2026 School Enrollment Campaign at Amada, Akko Local Government Area.

Babadidi explained that under Section 19(2) of the SUBEB Amendment Law 2021, any parent who refuses to send a child to school commits an offence punishable by fines or imprisonment.

“Every parent should ensure that their child or ward attends and completes primary, junior and senior secondary education,” he said.

He added that a first-time offender could face a one-month jail term or a fine, while repeat offenders risk a two-month sentence or a stiffer penalty.

According to him, the law and enforcement measures are designed to guarantee every child’s right to quality basic education in Gombe State.