Another Children’s Day, the same promises, and an uncertain future

    Epà Ogie Eboigbe | YSOT | Jun 10, 2026    
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Two weeks ago, on Wednesday 27th May, Nigeria marked another Children’s Day. It should have been an occasion not only for celebration but also for taking stock of how far the country has come in securing the future of its children and young people. The day however passed with little enthusiasm and even less reflection. One is left to ask: what exactly was there to celebrate when millions of Nigerian children remain out of school, and the country continues to account for one of the largest populations of out-of-school children in the world? The challenge is compounded by persistent insecurity, including recent abductions of pupils and teachers by bandits in schools in Oyo, Borno and several other states, disrupting learning across several parts of the country. When combined with poverty, weak educational infrastructure and limited opportunities for many children and youths, one is tempted to agree that there is indeed not much to celebrate.

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