Students across Bauchi State have made a passionate appeal to the Nigerian government for safer learning environments and improved child welfare during World Children's Day celebrations.
Children Speak Out for Their Rights
The event, organized by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Bauchi Field Office on Thursday, November 20, 2025, provided a platform for young voices to address critical issues affecting their education and safety.
One of the student representatives, Aisha Abubakar Makama, delivered a powerful speech emphasizing that education is a fundamental right, not a privilege. "Education is not a gift. It is not a favour," she declared before an audience that included government officials and stakeholders.
Makama articulated three key reasons why education matters: it opens minds and enables problem-solving, it shapes future dreams and careers, and it provides protection from exploitation and abuse. "Every child you see here today has a dream. Some of us want to be doctors, engineers, teachers, pilots, artists, lawyers, or even leaders like you. Without education, these dreams fade away," she stated.
Urgent Call for School Safety
The young advocate made a specific appeal for strengthened security in educational institutions. "We want classrooms where we feel protected from violence, kidnapping, and insecurity. A child who is afraid cannot learn," Makama emphasized.
She directly called on authorities to reinforce the Safe Schools Initiative and ensure every learning environment becomes secure for children regardless of their location.
Progress in Child Health Indicators
During the same event, UNICEF Bauchi Chief of Field, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, represented by health specialist Dr. Oluseyi Olosunde, reported significant improvements in child health indicators across Nigeria.
Key statistics revealed include:
- Immunization coverage nationwide increased from 13% to 39% in 2023
- Exclusive breastfeeding rates jumped from 2% to 29% across Nigeria
- Fully immunized children in Bauchi aged 12-23 months rose from 19% to 51%
Dr. Olosunde attributed these improvements to data from the National Demographic Survey of 2018 and recent reports from 2023-2024, indicating substantial progress in vaccination coverage for Bauchi children.
High-Level Participation
The World Children's Day commemoration attracted significant government and organizational representation. Attendees included commissioners of education and justice, representatives from the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), the Chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), and other key stakeholders.
The collective presence demonstrated the importance placed on children's welfare and education by both governmental and non-governmental entities in Bauchi State.
