Children’s Day: Ezekwesili Blasts Tinubu Over Oyo School Abduction Crisis
Former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili has raised fresh concerns over child protection and school safety in Nigeria, using her Children’s Day message to highlight the growing insecurity facing children across the country.
Her comments come as families in Oyo State continue to await the rescue of abducted pupils and teachers kidnapped during attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
In a strongly worded statement released on May 27, Ezekwesili criticised Nigeria’s political leadership for celebrating Children’s Day while many children remain exposed to insecurity, poverty, poor education, and violence.
She referenced several major school abduction cases, including Chibok, Dapchi, Kuriga, and Kankara, warning that repeated attacks on schools show deep failures in child safeguarding and national security systems.
The former minister also pointed to recent attacks affecting schools in Oyo, Kebbi, and Niger states. According to her, the continued targeting of schools reflects a worsening environment for children across vulnerable communities.
“The reality is not a Happy Children’s Day. The reality is a National Day of Shame,” she stated.
From a child protection perspective, safeguarding experts warn that repeated school attacks can leave children with long-term emotional trauma, fear, and disrupted education. Many families in affected communities now reportedly fear sending children back to school.
Ezekwesili further criticised rising numbers of out-of-school children, learning poverty, hunger, and child welfare challenges. She urged government officials to focus on measurable action instead of symbolic celebrations.
The remarks follow ongoing rescue operations in Oyo State, where security agencies continue efforts to secure the release of abducted pupils and teachers after terrorists attacked schools in Ahoro-Esinle community earlier this month.
Child rights advocates say the growing insecurity around schools highlights the urgent need for stronger protection systems, improved emergency response measures, and long-term investment in safe learning environments for children across Nigeria.
