Advocates demand better education, child protection
Education advocates have called for increased investment in children’s education, protection and welfare across Nigeria.
They also urged stronger measures to tackle insecurity and examination malpractice threatening learners’ future.
The advocates made the call during the 2026 International Day of the African Child celebration in Lagos on Thursday.
The event was organised by the Makarios Initiative for Health and Humanitarian Development (MIHHD).
The programme focused on ensuring universal access to water, sanitation and hygiene for African children.
Convener of the event, Mrs Lauretta Patrick-Nwachi, said children remained central to Africa’s future.
She urged governments, companies and communities to provide greater support for children’s development.
Patrick-Nwachi, MIHHD co-founder, said the celebration reflected the organisation’s commitment to child advocacy.
She noted that the day honoured South African children who protested against poor education.
The protest occurred during the apartheid era, highlighting the need for quality learning.
She said many African children still faced poverty, insecurity and inadequate educational opportunities.
“We are celebrating today, but some children went to school and were kidnapped,” she said.
Patrick-Nwachi urged society to work towards safe learning environments for every child.
She encouraged children to recognise their potential and embrace education as a pathway forward.
The advocate described quality education as a shared responsibility among all stakeholders.
She listed parents, teachers, governments, businesses and civil society as key contributors.
Patrick-Nwachi also asked companies targeting children to reward academic excellence.
She suggested using outstanding pupils as ambassadors to inspire other young learners.
“We want children excelling academically on our billboards,” she said, adding that such recognition would encourage dedication, discipline and hard work.
Patrick-Nwachi also promoted her book, “Kika’s Examination”, against examination malpractices, saying the publication was inspired by a real-life story involving academic dishonesty.
According to her, the book promotes integrity, honesty and academic excellence among learners.
She expressed hope that stronger partnerships would improve educational outcomes nationwide.
Also speaking, Dr Patrick Nwachi, MIHHD founder, stressed health, hygiene and education.
He said access to clean water and healthcare was vital for child development.
Nwachi warned that examination malpractice damaged confidence, character and intellectual growth.
He described cheating as a threat to children’s long-term success and development.
He highlighted MIHHD’s distribution of educational materials to children aged eight to 14.
The initiative aims to discourage cheating and promote self-confidence among learners.
“It is better to fail honestly than succeed through dishonest means,” he said, urging parents and teachers to build children’s confidence and independence.
He also disclosed MIHHD’s maternal health interventions, including training birth attendants.
According to him, the organisation has trained over 100 traditional birth attendants in the South-East.
He added that MIHHD revived academic competitions in secondary schools.
The organisation is also leading campaigns against examination malpractice.
The event featured educational talks, prayers and discussions on child development.
Participants included students, teachers and community leaders supporting child-focused initiatives.
They pledged continued efforts towards education, integrity and children’s wellbeing in Nigeria.