The Nigerian Senate has taken a significant step towards ensuring that children receive primary and secondary education. In a first reading, the Senate passed a bill proposing a fine of N50,000 for parents who default in providing their children with primary and secondary school education. Additionally, the Senate recommended free meals for all children in the country.
The bill, titled ‘Compulsory Free Universal Basic Education Act 2004, Section 2,’ was proposed by Senator Orji Kalu. It states that every government in Nigeria should provide free, compulsory, and universal basic education for every child of primary and junior secondary school age.
The act further mandates that every parent must ensure that their child or ward attends and completes their primary school education and junior secondary school education by sending the child to the relevant schools.
The act also places the responsibility on stakeholders in education at the local government level to ensure that every parent or person caring for a child fulfills their duty under this Act.
According to the act, a parent who contravenes these obligations would, on the first conviction, receive a reprimand. On the second conviction, they would face a fine of N2,000 or imprisonment for one month, or both. Subsequent convictions could result in a fine of N5,000 or imprisonment for two months, or both.
However, the Senate, in its amendment, proposed higher fines. It recommended N50,000 fines, instead of the previously stated N5,000.
The amendment states that “Section (4) (b) of the Principal Act is amended by deleting N2,000 and inserting N20,000. Section (4) (c) of the Principal Act is amended by deleting N5,000 and inserting N50,000.”
Furthermore, “Section 3(2) of the Principal Act is amended by deleting N10,000 and inserting N100,000.”
The bill also addresses the issue of unauthorized fees imposed by public schools. It states that anyone who receives or obtains any fee contrary to the provisions of the Act commits an offense and is liable to a fine not exceeding N10,000 or imprisonment for three months, or both.
Reacting to this development, Ayodamola Oluwatoyin, the Programme Coordinator for Basic Education at Reform Education Nigeria, noted that while the move by the lawmakers seems commendable, there should be an investigation into additional charges by public schools across the country.
This legislative effort highlights the government’s commitment to ensuring universal access to basic education and holding parents accountable for their children’s education in Nigeria.