Sex Education: Coalition Seeks National Assembly’s Scrutiny of Child-Focused Policies

A coalition of child-protection and family advocacy organisations has called on the National Assembly to scrutinise education policies, frameworks and programmes affecting Nigerian children, amid concerns over alleged foreign influence on the country’s social and cultural values.
The coalition, led by the Executive Director of the Centre for African Policy Research and Advisory, CAfPRA, Dr Segun Adebayo, made the call in Abuja during a media engagement on Comprehensive Sexuality Education.
Dr Adebayo urged lawmakers to examine the content, funding, partnerships and implementation of programmes relating to children’s education, reproductive health and family values before approving or supporting them.
He explained that, as part of its advocacy, CAfPRA plans to present an African Charter on Family Values and Sovereignty to the National Assembly, noting that the proposed charter would provide a framework for promoting family values, national sovereignty and policies that reflect African realities.

A Child Rights Activist, Dr Chris Yama, said Comprehensive Sexuality Education required wider public discussion because of its potential impact on children and families. He urged parents to take greater interest in the educational materials used by their children.

Policy researcher, Gold Boms, said policies aimed at protecting children must also address poverty, family breakdown and inadequate access to education.