The Kwara State Government has taken action against truancy by apprehending 20 students from various secondary schools in Ilorin for allegedly loitering during school hours.

This was disclosed by the Press Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, Peter Amogbonjaye, in a statement on Thursday.

The students were reportedly picked up on Wednesday in different locations within the state capital. The statement quoted the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Hajia Sa'adatu Modibbo-Kawu, as urging parents to work closely with schools in monitoring their children's educational activities to ensure discipline and academic focus.

Addressing the students and their parents at the ministry, Modibbo-Kawu emphasized the importance of staying focused on academics to fulfill parental aspirations.

She said, “Students must desist from loitering during school hours to ensure the realisation of their parents' dreams.

“The state government remains committed to providing inclusive and quality education for all children in Kwara State.”

In a related development, the commissioner paid unscheduled visits to Government Day Secondary School, Adeta, and Government High School, Adeta, following reports of unruly behaviour by students in the Ilorin metropolis.

Expressing displeasure over the incidents, Modibbo-Kawu revealed that the unrest stemmed from a long-standing rivalry between the two schools, which their managements admitted had persisted for nearly a decade.

She criticised the schools' authorities for failing to promptly report the matter to the ministry.

Her visit, she said, was to investigate the issues fueling the unrest and chart a course for resolving the disputes.

“The state government will intervene to address these challenges, but students must change their attitude and remain focused on their studies to secure a bright future,” she stated.

The commissioner toured the schools, commending teachers for their dedication and urging them to adhere to government policies aimed at improving the education sector.

She also reiterated the state government's commitment to prioritising education as a tool for socio-economic development.

Modibbo-Kawu charged the students to reciprocate the government's efforts by exhibiting good behavior, warning them against actions that could tarnish the state's image.

Meanwhile, the principals of the two schools, Fausat Ishola and Waheed Issa, praised the government's efforts to revamp education in the state.

They, however, appealed for the reconstruction of perimeter fences to curb students' tendencies to loiter.

In response, the apprehended students expressed remorse, pledging to turn a new leaf and focus on their academics.

“We regret our actions and promise to be of good behavior. We will ensure regular class attendance and avoid any misconduct,” they said.