Funmi Falana

On 27, May 2025, political leaders in Nigeria joined their counterparts in other countries to celebrate the Children’s Day. Beyond the celebrations, the Federal Government and the 36 State Governments as well as the Federal Capital Territory should, as a matter of urgency, address the crises that are confronting the majority of children in the country. Some of the crises are set out below:

1. STUNTED CHILDREN

Nigeria has the second-highest number of stunted children in the world, with 37 per cent of children under five, suffering from chronic malnutrition.

2 .UNVACCINATED CHILDREN

Reports have confirmed that Nigeria has the highest number of unvaccinated children in the world. According to UNICEF, over two million of the country’s estimated 8.7 million children under one year, have not received a single dose of any of the critical vaccines meant to prevent deadly childhood diseases. The diseases which have severe consequences on unvaccinated children include diphtheria, hepatitis B, measles, whooping cough, polio, tetanus, tuberculosis, and yellow fever.

3.  OUT-OF-SCHOOL CHILDREN

Nigeria has the largest number of out-of-school children in the world. An estimated 10.5 million children between the ages of 5 and 14 are not enrolled in school, while an additional 8.1 million at the junior secondary level are out of school. Since basic education (primary to junior secondary school) is legally free and compulsory for every Nigerian child, the Federal Government should collaborate with the 36 State Governments and the Federal Capital Territory to ensure the immediate enrolment of all out-of-school children.

4.  INFANT MORTALITY

The infant mortality rate in Nigeria is currently around 60 deaths per 1,000 live births. This means that for every 1,000 babies born in Nigeria, about 60 will die before their first birthday. This rate has been steadily declining over the past few0 decades, but remains high compared to many other countries.

5.  MATERNAL DEATHS

On a regular basis, hundreds of school children are kidnapped from school by terrorist groups. Parents and guardians have been compelled to pay ransoms to secure the release of abducted children. In the last few years, millions of children have withdrawn from schools to avoid being kidnapped by terrorists and other dangerous gangs.

WE CALL ON PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU TO SUMMON AN EMERGENCY MEETING OF THE HEADS OF ALL GOVERNMENTS IN NIGERIA TO ADOPT MEASURES TO END THE ABOVE MENTIONED PROBLEMS BEFORE THE 2026 CHILDREN’S DAY.

Funmi Falana SAN

Founder and Chairperson

Women Empowerment and Legal Aid (WELA)