Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to declare education across the country free and compulsory, insisting that no Nigerian child should be denied schooling because of financial hardship.
The call was made in Ibadan during a press conference to commemorate this year’s International Day of Education, themed “Students Against Corruption Drive (SACD).” Speaking at the event, SCM National President, Dr. Adebayo Kolade, described education as a fundamental human right and a critical foundation for national development.

According to Kolade, education remains one of the most powerful tools for personal growth, social transformation and sustainable national progress. He stressed that it should not be treated as a privilege reserved for a few, but as a right accessible to every child, regardless of background.

He lamented that the rising cost of enrolling students in public schools had become “alarming,” gradually shutting out children from low-income households and weakening the principle of equal access to education.

“Over time, education in public schools has become increasingly expensive, and this continues to exclude many children from poor families,” Kolade said. “This trend undermines the goal of building an inclusive and educated society.”

The SCM president urged the government to urgently confront the challenges facing the education sector by reviewing existing policies and removing systemic barriers that prevent children from accessing quality education.

“We urge relevant ministries, agencies and stakeholders to review existing policies and do the needful to ensure that no child is denied education because of financial constraints,” he said.

Kolade further called on the government to go beyond making basic education free by enforcing it as compulsory. He noted that in some parts of the country, parents still refuse to enrol their children in school despite the availability of free education.

“We enjoin the government to make denying children basic education an offence against the state,” he said.

“Parents who deliberately refuse to send their children to school should be arrested and prosecuted.”

He concluded that making education free, accessible and compulsory would not only reduce inequality but also help build a more peaceful, productive and prosperous Nigeria.