Jigawa Children’s Parliament Demands Stronger School Services
In Jigawa State, a rising chorus of voices from the younger generation is calling for more decisive government action to improve education and welfare services. Members of the Jigawa Children’s Parliament—comprising student representatives from across districts—have urged policymakers to prioritize schools, health, and social support systems that enable children to learn, grow, and thrive. The appeals come at a time when global and local watchdogs warn that millions of Nigerian children still face significant barriers to education and wellbeing, despite periods of progress.
Educational Quality and Access at the Forefront
The youth parliamentarians submitted a set of recommendations focused on classroom quality, teacher support, and equitable access. They called for increased funding for school infrastructure, including safe classrooms, adequate water and sanitation facilities, electricity, and learning materials. Emphasis was placed on reducing dropout rates—particularly for girls, children with disabilities, and those in rural communities—by expanding scholarship programs, transport options, and inclusive curricula that reflect Jigawa’s diverse student population.
Health, Nutrition, and Social Welfare Linking to Learning
Recognizing the essential link between health and education, the delegates urged government action to strengthen school health programs, vaccination campaigns, and feeding schemes that keep children in classrooms and ready to learn. They highlighted malnutrition and recurrent illness as major impediments to attendance and cognitive development. The proposal includes partnerships with local health clinics to ensure early intervention for illnesses, routine screening, and mental health support within schools.
Youth-Led Accountability and Transparent Governance
Beyond requests for funding, the Jigawa Children’s Parliament underscored the importance of accountability. They called for transparent budget tracking for education and welfare projects, regular public reporting on school performance, and channels for students to report grievances without fear of retaliation. Several delegates argued that youth participation in monitoring how resources are used can drive improvements and build trust between communities and authorities.
UNICEF Warnings—A Shared Challenge
The dialogue in Jigawa occurs against a backdrop of warnings from UNICEF and other aid organizations about persistent health and learning challenges for Nigerian children. UNICEF has repeatedly highlighted gaps in access to quality education, nutrition, clean water, and protective services. Local leaders say that campaigns and reforms must be sustained and scaled to meet the needs of the most vulnerable children, not just the most easily reached ones. The Jigawa initiative demonstrates how youth voice can translate international concerns into targeted, practical steps at the state level.
What Comes Next?
State education authorities have acknowledged the concerns raised by the Jigawa Children’s Parliament and pledged a review of existing programs. The government is expected to publish a multi-year plan that lays out concrete milestones for classroom improvements, school feeding programs, and health services integrated with schooling. Civil society groups, educators, and parents have been invited to participate in a broader reform dialogue aimed at strengthening the resilience of Jigawa’s education system in the face of challenges such as population growth, limited funding, and climate-related disruptions.
Experts say that the success of these efforts hinges on sustained investment, local ownership, and consistent monitoring. When children are partners in reform—not merely recipients of aid—policies tend to align more closely with on-the-ground realities. The Jigawa Children’s Parliament’s call to action offers a blueprint for other states seeking to bridge gaps between ambition and outcome: secure the basics, expand opportunities, and involve youth in the governance of their future.
