The Senate has initiated the hearing of a bill that seeks to impose a fine of N50,000 on parents who fail to provide their children with primary and secondary school education.
This legislation, titled the “Compulsory Free Universal Basic Education Act 2004, Section 2,” was introduced by Senator Orji Kalu. It mandates that every government in Nigeria should provide free, compulsory, and universal basic education for all primary and junior secondary school-age children.
According to reports from PUNCH, this act also stipulates that parents are responsible for ensuring their children attend and complete both primary and junior secondary school education.
Local education stakeholders are expected to ensure that parents or guardians fulfill this duty as imposed by the Act.
In cases of non-compliance, the Act specifies consequences. Upon the first conviction, the parent should be reprimanded. Subsequent convictions could result in fines or imprisonment. The Senate, in an amendment to the Act, has proposed higher fines of N50,000 instead of the initial N5,000.
Additionally, the proposed amendment suggests an increase from N10,000 to N100,000 for fees obtained contrary to the Act’s provisions.
This legislation underscores the importance of full-time education suitable for a child’s age, ability, and aptitude through regular school attendance.
The proposed fines aim to enforce the obligation of parents to ensure their children receive quality education in Nigeria.
