‘Teenage Pregnancies Worsening Out-of-School Children Menace In Akwa Ibom’

The lawmaker representing Ibiono Ibom State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Moses Essien, has expressed concerns over the rising rate of teenage pregnancy across the state, describing it as “alarming and detrimental to the future of young girls.”

He said young girls between the ages of 13 and 17, have been caught in the web of unwanted pregnancies across the 31 local government areas, forcing then to drop out of school.

In an interview with journalists in Uyo, the state capital, Essien cautioned parents and guardians to be alive to their responsibilities by insulating their girls from the vagaries of the society, especially in these hard times through proper care.

Essien, who chairs the House Committee on Health, warned that “children should not be exposed to the responsibilities of motherhood when they are not mentally and emotionally prepared,” and called for urgent action to address what he said was a growing menace in the state.

He said, “It is not ideal for children between the ages of 13 and 17 to be involved in family responsibilities instead of being in school.

“Children should not be allowed to engage in motherhood when they are not ready. There must be enough sensitisation to help our daughters understand when it is appropriate to begin family life.”
He called on the state government and civil society organisations (CSOs) to launch enlightenment campaigns to educate teenagers on reproductive health, while also tackling the issue of school dropouts caused by early pregnancies.

The lawmaker condemned the sights of young girls hawking during school hours, noting that such children had dropped out of school due to unplanned pregnancies.
“We need to encourage attitudinal change among young people. These changes must begin early to discourage underage engagement in family life,” he added.

In a move to promote maternal and child health, the lawmaker disclosed that he had tabled a motion before the House, urging Governor Umo Eno, to extend maternity leave for nursing mothers from three to six months.

Essien also advocated for the introduction of paternity leave for fathers to ensure shared parenting and support the fight against child malnutrition.

“Exclusive breastfeeding for six months enhances child growth, strengthens mother-child bonding, and promotes overall health

“When mothers have the opportunity to nurse their babies properly, we can reduce the risks of malnutrition, stunted growth, and other childhood diseases,” he cautioned.

On the 2025 state budget, Essien noted that although the current administration had increased health sector funding from 4–5 percent to 7.5 percent, the figures still falls short of the 15 percent benchmark recommended by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

“We hope that by 2026, the allocation will rise to nine percent and eventually reach the expected standard. While the current funding may not be adequate, the government is making progress compared to previous administrations,” he stated.

Essien emphasised the need for sustained investment in health and education to secure the future of Akwa Ibom’s youth and improve the overall well-being of families across the state.