The Nigerian Senate has called on children across the country to recognize education as their fundamental right rather than a privilege.
The appeal was made on Wednesday during the 2024 Universal Children’s Day Celebration, organized by the Senate Committee on Women Affairs in Abuja.
The event, which brought together children from eight different public schools in Abuja, emphasized the importance of education for the nation’s future.
In speeches delivered by various senators, the central theme was the need for children to embrace education as their entitlement.
The senators highlighted that the Universal Basic Education Act of 2004, which made basic education free and compulsory, underscores this right.
Senator Ireti Kingibe (LP, FCT), chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, addressed the children, stressing their pivotal role in the country’s future. “You are the future of this country.
There is no Nigeria without you, and therefore, we must invest our energy, time, and resources in ensuring you receive quality education. You are the ones who will ensure that Nigeria is great again,” she said.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) also emphasized that education is a right, not a privilege.
She noted that the Universal Basic Education Act of 2004 mandates free and compulsory education, urging the government to enforce this law effectively.
“It is not enough to have an Act without the necessary actions, policies, and programs,” Akpoti-Uduaghan stated.
“This includes establishing schools in all localities, employing qualified teachers, and providing essential educational materials like textbooks and digital libraries.”
Other senators, including Adetokunbo Abiru (APC, Lagos East), Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South), Banigo Ipalibo (PDP, Rivers West), and Anthony Ani (APC, Ebonyi South), also delivered goodwill messages, underscoring the importance of quality education and the government’s responsibility to ensure its availability for all children.
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