Coronavirus threatening Nigerian children's access to education: UNICEF

By Olarewaju Kola

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (AA) - The coronavirus pandemic is threatening children's access to education and health services in Nigeria, United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) said on Thursday.

The UN agency’s country director Peter Hawkins said in a statement said the pandemic is threatening decades of progress made for children's access to education and quality health services.

His statement was released to World Children Day in Nigeria’s capital of Abuja.

"Poverty is rising, inequality is growing, and the pandemic has often disrupted the essential services that secure the health, education and protection of children and young people," he said.

Hawkins said the last year has been challenging for children in Nigeria and the world and the longer the pandemic goes on, the more intense the effect on children and women as well will be felt.

Segun Adeoye, an education consultant and teacher in Lagos, the Nigerian commercial hub, told Anadolu Agency that enthusiasm for education among children fell after weeks of a COVID-19 lockdown.

"Some were doing petty jobs during the lockdown and failed to return to school after resumption. Due to poverty, they are also encouraged by their parents who see the earnings as support to the economy of the family," he said.

He urged parents and guardians to see this year’s Children Day celebration as a wake-up call for action on education and access to health facilities.

World Children's Day was first established in 1954 as a universal day for children. Nigeria usually marks the day on May 27 with a series of activities to drum up support for children's rights.