President Tinubu pledges renewed commitment to Nigerian children on National Children’s Day

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday, May 27, 2025, marked National Children’s Day with a firm pledge to prioritize the protection, development, and empowerment of Nigerian children.

In a statement from the presidency, President Tinubu emphasized that children are “the future leaders of our great nation,” highlighting their growth, education, and well-being as a top governmental priority.

The President stressed the importance of nurturing children in an environment free from abuse, neglect, and discrimination, vowing more robust policy actions to enhance their quality of life.

President Tinubu also underscored education as a cornerstone of national development, promising increased investments in public education, particularly at the basic and secondary school levels.

He announced governmental efforts to strengthen the Universal Basic Education (UBE) programme, reduce the number of out-of-school children, and improve teaching quality through enhanced training and incentives for educators.

Furthermore, President Tinubu condemned the rising incidents of bullying and abuse in schools, directing the Ministry of Education to collaborate with relevant agencies on preventive strategies, responsive structures, and strict enforcement of child protection laws.

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First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu also participated in the celebration, urging parents and guardians to be more involved in the moral and emotional upbringing of their children. In her address, she encouraged children nationwide to “dream big, study hard, and always uphold integrity and kindness.”

Across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Children’s Day was commemorated with parades, cultural performances, and speeches. Schoolchildren in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and other major cities engaged in march-pasts and educational exhibitions, while government officials, traditional rulers, and civil society groups advocated for increased investment in child welfare and education.

Despite the celebratory mood, many Nigerians reflected on ongoing challenges faced by children, including malnutrition, insecurity in the North-East, child marriage, and limited access to healthcare in rural areas.

Advocacy groups called on the federal government to move beyond rhetoric and implement child-centered policies with transparency and measurable impact.

President Tinubu’s Children’s Day address serves as a reaffirmation of his administration’s commitment to youth and educational development. With millions of Nigerian children still in vulnerable conditions, stakeholders and citizens anticipate concrete actions that will translate these promises into lasting improvements.