Nigerian children have demanded for an increase in Nigeria’s education budget to a minimum of 15%, and tasked the nation to pursue and meet the global standards on Safe Schools Initiative.
These resolutions were reached by the children by the end of the 4-day National Children’s Conference organized by the Children of Africa Leadership & Values Development Initiative (CALDEV), which convened about 200 Nigerian children aged 10 to 17 years in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, founder, CALDEV and conference convener, Hon Bamidele Salam said “increasing fund for education at all tiers of education to a minimum of 15% and the need for Nigeria to pursue the safe school initiative in a very practical manner, were recurrent themes at the conference.
“We need to deliver on the agreement reached by nations of the world, Nigeria and international global partners on the safe school initiative – such as having fences provided for our schools, provide security and utilities like toilets so that children don’t have to go into the bush and risk getting kidnapped or molested by adults.”
On another recurrent issue at the conference, which is the revamping the education system to embed information and technology in line with global standard, Salam said CALDEV as an advocacy group is reviewing STEM-related projects to embark on with its partners Step Up Nigeria to complement government and NGOs efforts in the area, in both private and public schools.
Salam further noted the platform which has amplified the voice of Nigerian children in the media, amongst civil societies and some government officials, is optimistic that via subsequent editions it will attract the attendance of major policymakers to listen and engage in conversation with the children.
Founded in 2021, the conference which is held annually to mark the Universal Children’s Day aims at providing Nigeria’s future generation a platform to build leadership skills capacity, advocate and promote their rights, as well as celebrate their achievements.
