The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has decried the low enrolment of children into primary schools across the country, despite it being officially free and compulsory.
It disclosed that while only 61 per cent of children between the ages of 6 and 11 years regularly attend primary school, not fewer than 18 million children between the ages of 5 to 14 years are not in school.
The international body, therefore, called for adequate funding of primary education, which will create an enabling environment for increased demand for qualitative education, which is the bedrock of enhanced knowledge, improved behaviour and personal growth of the children.
In a statement to commemorate this year’s International Children’s Day of Broadcasting (ICDB) which was themed: ‘More money for primary education,’ the Director/Head Advocacy of Child Rights Information Bureau (CRIB), Ms. Mercy Megwa, said: “The ICOB was launched by UNICEF in 1991 to encourage broadcasters worldwide to create awareness on children’s issues. It’s a day when broadcasters allow children to be part of the programming process, to talk about their hopes, dreams and exchange ideas with their peers on issues affecting them.
“In Nigeria, primary education is officially free and compulsory but 18 million of the country’s children aged between 5 – 14 years are not in school. Only 61 percent of 6 – 11 year olds regularly attend primary school.
“Adequate funding of primary education will create an enabling environment for increased demand for qualitative education which is the bedrock of enhanced knowledge, improved behaviour and personal growth of the children.
The body, therefore, enjoined broadcasters to open airwaves to the children for this year’s celebration and throughout the year and also to produce documentaries that highlight the plight of children in Nigeria.
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