There is an urgent need to put in place a mechanism that guarantees rapid response to security threats around schools in high-risk areas across the country to curb the growing menace of kidnapping of school children and teachers.
The National President of the Association for Formidable Educational Development (AFED), Mr. Orji Emmanuel Kanu, made the call in his Children’s Day address.
Mr. Kanu also advocated laws that would make the killing or abduction of a child or teacher a capital offence, while urging that security agencies be held accountable for safeguarding school corridors and learning environments.
According to him, AFED, an association of over 25,000 private schools committed to educating Nigerian children across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, considers quality learning, safety, and protection of children as critical to their well-being and national development.
Addressing children across the country, Mr. Kanu said no child should live in fear of going to school, stressing that education must take place in a secure and supportive environment.
“My dear children, no child should have to pray before going to school. No teacher should have to beg for mercy on their knees. Yet we have seen too many of our schools turned into targets,” he said.
He noted that AFED would continue to engage the National Assembly and governments at all levels to push for laws aimed at protecting students, teachers, and schools, especially in vulnerable communities.
Among the proposals by the association are laws that make the killing or abduction of children and teachers a capital offence, laws mandating schools in high-risk areas to establish rapid response security plans, and measures compelling security agencies to take responsibility for protecting school routes and communities.
“Security is not a privilege. It is a right. And we will not rest until our schools are safe again,” he stated.
The AFED President also expressed concern over the alarming number of out-of-school children in Nigeria, estimated at over 10 million, blaming the situation on poverty, insecurity, and displacement caused by communal conflicts.
He described education as the birthright of every Nigerian child and not a privilege, adding that AFED is committed to advocating free and compulsory basic education with proper enforcement.
Mr. Kanu explained that the association is also supporting intervention programmes for children displaced by insecurity and partnering with government, private schools, and non-governmental organisations to reintegrate out-of-school children through its “Return to Learn” initiative.
“Every child in the classroom is one less child on the street and one more child building Nigeria,” he added.
Speaking on education funding, Mr. Kanu called on the Federal Government to increase budgetary allocation to the education sector in line with UNESCO recommendations of 15 to 20 percent of the national budget.
He lamented that poor investment in education has continued to result in dilapidated schools, overcrowded classrooms, and poorly motivated teachers.
“A nation that does not invest in its children is a nation that mortgages its future,” he said.
The AFED President further called for transparency and accountability in the management of education funds to ensure resources reach classrooms, teachers, and pupils.
According to him, AFED would continue to advocate for a transparent education funding system that communities and stakeholders can monitor effectively.
Mr. Kanu also encouraged Nigerian children to remain hopeful, stay focused on their education, and believe in their ability to contribute positively to national development.
“You are not too small to dream big. You are not too young to change Nigeria,” he told the children.
He assured Nigerian children that AFED would continue to be their voice by advocating laws and policies that protect them and promote access to quality education.
Mr. Kanu wished children across the country a happy Children’s Day celebration and prayed for a brighter and safer future for Nigeria.
reporting By Innocent Onoh