…Our threshold of hope for a better nation?
The 27th of May each year holds special significance for children in Nigeria, as it is celebrated as National Children’s Day. This day was first established in Nigeria in 1964 to honour children and raise awareness about issues affecting them. Although it is not an official public holiday, primary and secondary school students are typically given the day off to celebrate. On Children’s Day, children often participate in military-style parades or match passes at stadiums. Many media organisations also allow child broadcasters to anchor television and radio programmes for the day.
The future of our country depends on our children, and we must be mindful of this fact. In the Holy Bible, Jesus emphasises the importance of children, stating, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14). This scripture highlights Jesus’ deep love for children, His desire to bless them, and serves as a lesson that adults should approach God with the humility, trust, and openness of a child.
Furthermore, it underscores the need to hold children in high esteem within society, as they are the future. Therefore, it is essential for Nigeria to be strategic, purposeful, and determined about the protection, safeguarding, and welfare of children. A nation that cares for its children secures its future and builds a strong foundation. Two critical areas for the development and growth of children include education and healthcare.
Children’s Education In The Oil-Rich Nation
Education is a crucial element for the development and growth of children, and Nigeria must acknowledge this fact. Unfortunately, the reality is that the Nigerian school system is in a serious crisis and requires urgent intervention. Generally, low-income countries are lagging in providing quality education for children, and the number of out-of-school children continues to rise each year. According to UNICEF, the out-of-school population in low-income regions, particularly sub-Saharan Africa, has increased by 29% since 2015, while numbers in other areas have remained relatively stable. Currently, about three-quarters of the global out-of-school population in upper secondary education is concentrated in Central and Southern Asia (46%) and sub-Saharan Africa (28%).
As of 2024, UNICEF estimates that between 18.3 million and 20 million children and adolescents in Nigeria are out of school, making it one of the highest rates of out-of-school populations in the world. Roughly 10.2 million to 10.5 million primary-aged children (ages 6-11) do not attend school. When including older youths and adolescents, the total figure is estimated to reach 20 million. The out-of-school crisis is most acute in northern Nigeria, particularly in states like Kebbi and Sokoto, where the out-of-school rates range from 66% to 68%.
Girls are disproportionately affected, accounting for approximately 60% of Nigeria’s out-of-school population due to factors such as early marriage, economic constraints, and cultural disparities. Several factors contribute to the increasing number of out-of-school children. The ongoing terrorism and frequent attacks on schools by militants have exacerbated this crisis. In 2014, Boko Haram attacked a government girls’ school in Chibok, Borno State, and abducted about 276 schoolchildren. While some managed to escape or were rescued, more than 90 schoolgirls are still unaccounted for. Between 2014 and 2026, hundreds of schoolchildren have been killed due to mass shootings, terrorist raids, and explosive violence. Additionally, over 2,000 students and staff have been abducted directly from school grounds.
The persistent attacks on Nigerian communities and schools have led many parents and guardians to withdraw their children from school out of fear for their safety. As a result, Nigerian authorities have been forced to temporarily or permanently close over 11,000 schools since 2020. Extreme poverty and insufficient state funding—only 6.1% of the 2026 national budget is allocated to education—further compound the crisis of out-of-school children. Most early childhood programmes lack adequate funding, and many rural areas do not have child-friendly facilities. Children often study in dilapidated buildings, poorly maintained facilities, or even under trees, with very limited or no instructional and writing materials. Furthermore, studies show that fewer than 30% of public early childhood educators have formal training.
Child Healthcare In Nigeria
In terms of child healthcare, Nigeria operates through a mixed public-private system, which faces significant challenges. Despite substantial investments from the World Bank and support from multinational donors, the country’s children’s healthcare suffers from issues related to accessibility, quality, and regional inequality. While basic services such as routine immunisations are subsidised or offered free at the primary care level, healthcare costs and geographic barriers often delay life-saving treatments.
Children born into the poorest households are disproportionately affected, with under-five mortality rates approximately three times higher than those in the wealthiest households. Primary healthcare units, which are meant to provide critical support for children, are either nonexistent in many rural communities or are in poor condition. Additionally, child mortality rates vary significantly by region; northern states experience much higher death rates compared to the southern and more urbanised areas. This disparity may result from long distances to medical facilities, cultural and traditional beliefs, poverty, illiteracy, ignorance, and inadequate transportation.
The major causes of preventable deaths among young children include malnutrition, inadequate access to clean water, poorly developed healthcare infrastructure, and a lack of immunisation. Currently, Nigeria has the second-highest number of under-five deaths globally and accounts for over 15% of all under-five child deaths worldwide. In 2020, Nigeria reported the highest number of under-five deaths, with 844,321 cases, surpassing India’s total of 783,314. This accounted for 16.72% of global under-five deaths that year.
Who Should Be Responsible For Children?
The primary responsibility for caring for every individual, including children, rests with the government. At all levels, governments establish policies and programmes that directly impact child care and development. Unfortunately, government agencies often neglect to focus on the growth and development of children. While children under the age of 18 are primarily under the care and control of their parents, parents and guardians must do everything possible to ensure the well-being and future of our children. The government must take its responsibilities seriously, and everyone must recognise the inherent value of every child.
Every child, as a precious gift from God, has dreams and potential that can transform the world. When we guide, protect, and care for them with love, we are building a stronger community, a greater nation, a better tomorrow, and a promising future. Every child deserves access to education and quality healthcare. As a nation, Nigeria cannot afford to overlook these realities. By establishing better care systems for our children, we can ensure that hope is alive, youthful, and vibrant.
