Makurdi: The Benue Government is taking significant steps to ensure that children from financially struggling families receive an education, offering free schooling from primary to secondary school levels. This initiative is targeted at children whose parents are unable to afford educational expenses.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mrs. Mary Ejeh, the Director of Child at the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, highlighted this development during an interview. She stated that the state government, through the efforts of the Ministry of Women Affairs, has made education accessible to any child eager to learn, covering their schooling from primary level up to Junior Secondary School 3 in public institutions.

Mrs. Ejeh reported that a substantial number of children have left the streets and are now attending school, with the government committed to ensuring that all children have the opportunity to leave street life behind entirely. She emphasized that while attendance is not mandatory, any child willing to pursue an education can do so at no cost in government schools.

Regarding the enforcement of the Child Rights Act, Mrs. Ejeh noted that, to date, no individuals have been prosecuted for violations of the Act. She affirmed that the child rights law has been fully enforced by the government and encouraged the public to provide any information that could lead to the arrest of violators of the Child Rights Act.