Toba Owojaiye reporting
Kaduna, Nigeria
In a significant move towards improving access to quality education in Nigeria, Senator Lawal Usman Adamu, Chairman of the Committee on Education, proudly announced the successful progression of the “Bill for an Act to Amend the Compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Act, 2004″into its second reading.
In a time when many Nigerians are grappling with economic challenges, this development brings a much-needed glimmer of hope for families across the nation. Truth Live News gathered that the bill promises a brighter future for the country’s children, ensuring that every Nigerian child has access to free and compulsory education from early childhood through junior secondary school.
“This amendment reaffirms the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering uniform, qualitative basic education,” Senator Adamu emphasized. “This education will be both compulsory and entirely free, removing the financial burden from families and giving every child, regardless of their background, a chance to learn and grow.”
At the heart of the amendment is a provision guaranteeing every child access to Early Childhood Care Development and Education (ECCDE). The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) will oversee its implementation, ensuring that Nigeria’s youngest learners get the strong foundation they need for lifelong success.
For parents and guardians, the stakes are high. Under the proposed amendment, no child will be allowed to skip primary through junior secondary education. Any parent or guardian found obstructing their child’s education will face legal consequences. Moreover, teachers and school staff are prohibited from requesting or accepting any payments on behalf of children, and violators will be held accountable under the law.
In these tough economic times, many families face mounting pressures, but this bill is a game-changer. “This is not just a legal amendment; it is a lifeline for Nigerian families,” Senator Adamu added. “No longer will education be a privilege for the few—now, it’s a right for all.”
With the bill now moving into its next phase of legislative review, Nigerians can look forward to a future where every child, no matter their financial circumstance, will receive the education they deserve. For families struggling to make ends meet, this is a beacon of hope, a step towards breaking the cycle of poverty and creating a better future for the next generation.
As the amendment advances through the legislative process, the promise of free, compulsory, and quality education for every Nigerian child is closer than ever to becoming a reality. Many have hailed the Senator and his effort as a breathe of fresh air for the suffocating masses and a step in the right direction to combat insecurity, illiteracy and other associated vices.