In a compelling call for educational reformUI Don Urges NASS to Make Basic Education Compulsory in Constitution, Professor Osifunke Sekinah Ekundayo, a distinguished family law scholar at the University of Ibadan (UI), has appealed to the National Assembly (NASS) to amend the Nigerian Constitution to guarantee compulsory basic education for all children of school age. Speaking during the 580th inaugural lecture at UI on May 16, 2025, Professor Ekundayo emphasized the urgent need for constitutional provisions that enshrine free and compulsory basic education as a justiciable right.
Professor Ekundayo’s lecture, titled “Speaking Up for the Numerous Voiceless Children Shut Out of School in Nigeria: An Endless Odyssey,” highlighted the persistent challenge of out-of-school children in Nigeria, describing it as a systemic issue rooted in exclusion, poverty, and insufficient government commitment. She noted that despite existing laws promoting free primary education, many children still face barriers that prevent them from enrolling in or completing their basic education.
“The Nigerian state bears the responsibility to ensure that every child has access to and completes primary education. This is not merely a policy issue; it is a fundamental human right that must be constitutionally guaranteed,” she stated. Ekundayo urged that such a constitutional amendment would empower citizens to hold government accountable through the judicial system, thus strengthening enforcement mechanisms and ensuring educational equity.
Poverty, according to the professor, remains a significant factor limiting children’s access to education. She pointed out that while tuition fees might be waived in some states, the hidden costs of schooling—such as uniforms, textbooks, transportation, and meals—continue to exclude vulnerable families. “A true commitment to free education means abolishing all fees and costs that families bear, thereby removing financial barriers that impede school attendance,” she stressed.
Beyond poverty, Ekundayo identified cultural beliefs, conflicts, and inadequate funding as obstacles to achieving universal basic education. She called for a holistic approach, emphasizing that education must be accessible, acceptable, adaptable, and available for all children, including those in marginalized and conflict-affected regions.
Highlighting Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights treaties, Professor Ekundayo asserted that the nation must align its constitutional framework with global standards. “To comply with international human rights standards on education, Nigeria must constitutionally recognize and prioritize the right to free and compulsory basic education. This will send a clear message that education is non-negotiable and central to national development,” she said.
This call comes amid ongoing concerns about Nigeria’s high rates of out-of-school children, with UNICEF and other international bodies estimating that millions of Nigerian children are currently deprived of basic education. The consequences are far-reaching, affecting literacy levels, economic development, social inclusion, and national security.
Professor Ekundayo’s appeal resonates with broader efforts by education advocates, civil society, and international partners who have long championed educational reform and increased government accountability. As Nigeria seeks to meet its Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4) commitment to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all,” constitutional reform could be a critical step toward achieving lasting progress.
In conclusion, the University of Ibadan don underscored that education is the cornerstone for addressing many social challenges, including human rights abuses, poverty alleviation, and youth empowerment. “No child should be left behind. It is the responsibility of the Nigerian government to guarantee that basic education is free, compulsory, and accessible to every child,” Ekundayo emphasized.
As Nigeria’s National Assembly continues its legislative agenda, the professor’s call for a constitutional amendment presents a vital opportunity to strengthen the country’s education system and fulfill the promise of education as a fundamental right.
Nigeria currently operates under the Universal Basic Education Act, which aims to provide free, compulsory basic education. However, enforcement gaps and insufficient constitutional backing have limited its impact. Incorporating this right explicitly into the Constitution would legally bind government authorities to allocate adequate resources and prioritize education.
Education experts believe that such reform would also support Nigeria’s broader development goals, including poverty reduction, improved healthcare outcomes, and enhanced security through an educated populace. It would also facilitate increased international cooperation and funding aligned with human rights obligations.
With millions of Nigerian children out of school, Professor Ekundayo’s recommendations have sparked renewed debate about the role of the Constitution in guaranteeing social rights and the urgent need for political will to translate policy into practice.
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Interesting!