TODAY, May 27, 2026, is observed as Children’s Day in Nigeria. The day is set aside by the government to honour the Nigerian child. The first edition took place on May 27, 1964 following a United Nations recommendation for member states to set aside a dedicated day to promote children’s welfare, mutual exchange and understanding, acknowledge the innocence of children, raise awareness about their rights, and highlight critical issues such as education, healthcare and protection from abuse.
In order to make this day colourful, a public holiday is declared by the government specifically for nursery, primary and secondary school students, allowing them the day off from classes. Similarly, the day is marked with vibrant march-pasts, parades, funfairs, excursions and cultural dances held in state capitals and local government headquarters.
Although the objectives behind the celebration of Nigerian child on May 27 every year, and activities marking the day are well-observed at inception particularly in the military era, these have dwindled in recent times as occasioned by security challenges, government insensitivity to the welfare of children and corruption. Consequently, Children’s Day now exists in the imagination of most children, most especially those in rural areas since the celebrations which make the day historical, remarkable and memorable have eluded them.
Furthermore, several school children have been kidnapped from different primary and secondary schools across the country. In recent times, it appears to be a crime for the children to acquire basic education, because their security is not guaranteed in most of the public schools they attend. Most of these children have been forgotten in captivity while some have been released after paying huge ransom; a move that has made school children the object of target by the abductors. For over two weeks now, about thirty-three children and some teachers were kidnapped in a coordinated attack on three public primary schools in Orile LGA of Oyo State. The expectations of those children on this day have been thwarted, absolutely, they have to spend this day under the watchful eyes of their captors.
Most government event centres and squares that used to host Children’s Day activities are now in the shadow of their own; some are lying waste, while others have become deteriorated due to lack of maintenance. In other words, the celebration of the day has been reduced to press statements issued from government houses where government media agencies would merely congratulate the children, offer words of encouragement and unfulfilled promises.
Furthermore, this day calls for a deep reflection on the current plight of the Nigerian child. The return of Nigeria to democracy in 1999 is thought by many to have brought relief to the nation. However, the experience of average Nigerian citizens at present, has revealed that Nigerian democratic system is more of elite bargaining than grassroot participation.
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In order not to deviate from the focus of interest, one has to bear it in mind that the children are not left out of this hardship that the nation is facing at the moment. Several children have been displaced along with their parents from their original settlement with no hope of returning home anytime soon. Rather than make efforts to return the victims to their original homes, the government keeps establishing Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps. Consequently, these children have been denied the comfort of their homes and exposed to illnesses and harsh weather. To such children, no Children’s Day to celebrate.
Furthermore, several school children have been kidnapped from different primary and secondary schools across the country. In recent times, it appears to be a crime for the children to acquire basic education, because their security is not guaranteed in most of the public schools they attend. Most of these children have been forgotten in captivity while some have been released after paying huge ransom; a move that has made school children the object of target by the abductors. For over two weeks now, about thirty-three children and some teachers were kidnapped in a coordinated attack on three public primary schools in Orile LGA of Oyo State. The expectations of those children on this day have been thwarted, absolutely, they have to spend this day under the watchful eyes of their captors.
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Ironically, most government primary and secondary schools across the country are dilapidated. Several classrooms have collapsed and some are without roofs and seats for the school children. The children have no options but to learn under such unfavourable conditions. In spite of the huge investment in education, the standard of teaching and learning have not shown significant improvement. In the rural areas, the number of out-of-school children is on the increase since most of the public schools in those areas are no longer functioning as most parents cannot afford the ever-increasing tuition charged by private schools. The consequence is high level of illiteracy, crime and drug abuse among teenagers.
As we celebrate the children this day, let every individual and the government be reminded that the welfare of the Nigerian child is paramount. The way the children are nurtured today will reshape the nation tomorrow in terms of leadership. The government should be sincere and committed to the programmes designed for the children, for instance, the Universal Basic Education Programmes should be taken seriously. More teachers can be engaged to complement the existing workforce. In addition, the school feeding programme may be revisited and consistency should be maintained as the government transits from one administration to another.
Alleh, a linguist, writes from the Department of Linguistics and Nigerian Languages, University of Ilorin. He can be reached on e-mail: owoichoalleh@gmail.com or Whatsapp: 08073524949.
