The Nigerian Senate is considering a bill that seeks to impose fines and imprisonment on parents or guardians who fail to enroll their children for primary and junior secondary school education. Proposed by Senator Orji Kalu, the bill mandates governments at all levels to provide free, compulsory, and universal basic education for primary and junior secondary school-age children. It also recommends free meals for every child.
The act specifies that parents must ensure their children attend and complete their primary and junior secondary school education. Failure to do so will result in fines and imprisonment.
The Senate has proposed stiffer penalties, amending the bill to increase the fines from ₦2,000 to ₦20,000, ₦5,000 to ₦50,000, and ₦10,000 to ₦100,000 for various offenses. Parents who receive fees contrary to the act's provisions could face fines or imprisonment.
The bill aims to enhance access to education and reduce the number of out-of-school children in the country, making it mandatory for parents to ensure their children attend school regularly.
