Nigeria moved a step closer to making Basic Education compulsory for all children with the passage of a bill seeking to amend the Universal Basic Education Act, 2004, at the Senate’s second reading. The proposed legislation, sponsored by Senator Idiat Adebule (APC, Lagos West), aims to reduce the alarming rate of out-of-school children in the country by making education free and compulsory for all children of primary and junior Secondary School age. Basic education is a fundamental right of every child, and Nigeria has been struggling to provide access to quality education for all.
Despite efforts to improve the education system, the country still grapples with a high rate of out-of-school children, with over 10 million children aged 5-14 not in school, according to UNESCO’s 2020 data. This accounts for approximately 20% of the world’s total out-of-school population. The proposed bill seeks to address this issue by making education compulsory and free for all children, with a penalty of ₦250,000 for parents who fail to enroll their children in primary and secondary schools. While some senators argued that the penalty was too lenient, others called for a stiffer penalty to ensure compliance.
Challenges plaguing the education system of Nigeria.
Again, the bill’s passage is a step towards ensuring that all Nigerian children have access to quality education. This is essential for their future and the country’s development. Education is a critical factor in reducing poverty, improving health outcomes, and enhancing economic growth. By making education compulsory, Nigeria can reduce the number of out-of-school children, improve Literacy rates, and enhance its human capital development. Evidently, Nigeria’s education system has faced numerous challenges, including inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and a shortage of qualified teachers.
It has been plagued by a lack of investment, resulting in a significant decline in the quality of education. Meanwhile, the proposed bill seeks to address these challenges by ensuring that education is prioritized and adequately funded. The bill’s passage has been welcomed by stakeholders, who believe it will help reduce the number of out-of-school children and improve Nigeria’s educational system. However, some have expressed concerns about the feasibility of implementing the bill, given the country’s limited resources and inadequate infrastructure.
Debate about role of govt in access to education.
In addition, the bill’s passage has sparked debate about the role of government in ensuring access to education. Some argue that the government should prioritize funding for education, while others believe that private schools should be encouraged to fill the gap in education provision. Still, the passage of the compulsory basic education bill is a significant step forward for Nigeria’s education system. Its provisions, if implemented effectively, can help reduce the number of out-of-school children, improve literacy rates, and enhance Nigeria’s human capital development.
To ensure the successful implementation, the government must prioritize funding for education, improve infrastructure, and address the shortage of qualified teachers. Additionally, the government must engage with stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and private schools, to ensure that the bill’s provisions are effective and sustainable. Its passage also highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges facing Nigeria’s education system. This includes addressing the root causes of poverty, improving healthcare, and enhancing economic opportunities.
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Furthermore, the bill’s passage has implications for Nigeria’s economic development. Education is a critical factor in economic growth, and a well-educated workforce is essential for attracting Investment and promoting economic development. By improving its education system, Nigeria can enhance its economic competitiveness and promote sustainable economic growth. Also, it has implications for Nigeria’s social development. Education is a critical factor in reducing poverty, improving health outcomes, and enhancing social cohesion. By improving its education system, Nigeria can reduce poverty, improve health outcomes, and enhance social cohesion.