Amidst the recent jubilation in Kogi and Anambra states over the free education for children. The Senate has passed for first reading a bill that recommends a fine of N50,000 to parents who default in providing their children with primary and secondary school education.
The bill proposed by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu titled, “Compulsory free Universal Basic Education Act 2004, Section 2” states that every government in Nigeria shall provide free, compulsory and universal basic education for every child of primary and junior secondary school age.”
Senator Orji Uzor KaluThe act further states that “Every parent shall ensure that his child or ward attends and completes his primary school education and junior secondary school education by endeavouring to send the child to primary and junior secondary schools.”
“The Act further states that stakeholders in education in a local government area shall ensure that every parent or person who has the care and custody of a child performs the duty imposed on him under section 2(2) of this Act.”
The act further noted that a parent who contravenes the earlier prescription should be held liable, on the first conviction, to be reprimanded.
“On a second conviction, a fine of N2,000 or imprisonment for a term of one month or both.
“Every parent shall ensure that his child receives full-time education suitable to his age, ability and aptitude by regular attendance at schools.”
The Red Chamber also recommended free meals for every child in the country.
Most Nigerians are not happy with this development and opposed the government for implementing such law. According to collective response and comments from the public most stated that some homes are not able to cater for themselves, let alone send their wards to school to learn. So instead of fining these families who live from hand to mouth everyday, an action should be taken to assist them financially before considering putting them behind bars for going against the law on what is beyond their control.
