According to UNICEF, in 2023 alone, over 10 million children in Nigeria are out of school, and a significant percentage of these children are engaged in child labour. Child trafficking is another persistent issue, with Nigeria being a source, transit, and destination country for child trafficking.
She also asked for the country’s education system to be re-envisioned to address disparities and make education relevant and aligned with job market realities. The child rights advocate also urged the government to prioritise the implementation of policies aimed at combating child trafficking, sexual abuse, substance abuse and supporting victims.
To teachers and school administrators, she emphasised the need to foster a safe and inclusive environment for all children and added that they should be vigilant and proactive in identifying and reporting any form of abuse.