The Education Rights Campaign (ERC) has launched a fierce attack on President Bola Tinubu and Nigeria’s political leadership, accusing them of abandoning millions of children to insecurity, hunger and deepening poverty.
In a Children’s Day statement released on Wednesday, the group described the current situation facing Nigerian children as “gory,” warning that worsening violence and economic hardship are destroying the future of young people across the country.
The statement, jointly signed by ERC Deputy National Coordinator Ogunjimi Isaac and National Mobilisation Officer Adaramoye Michael Lenin, called on organised labour to declare a nationwide strike and mass protest against insecurity and the rising cost of living.
The campaign referenced the recent attack on schools in Ahoro-Esinele community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where gunmen reportedly abducted 39 students and seven teachers. According to the group, one of the teachers, identified as Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded during the attack, while another teacher was also killed.
ERC accused both the Federal Government and the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde of failing to address the worsening security crisis, alleging that many political leaders are more focused on preparations for the 2027 elections than the safety and welfare of citizens.
The organisation also blamed the country’s growing child poverty crisis on what it described as the Tinubu administration’s “anti-people and neoliberal policies,” arguing that rising inflation, unemployment and poor access to healthcare and education are pushing more families into hardship.
Citing international reports, the group stated that millions of Nigerian children are facing severe malnutrition, disease and poor living conditions. It added that Nigeria remains among countries with some of the world’s highest levels of child poverty and stunted growth.
The campaign further lamented the continued captivity of some Chibok schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram more than a decade ago, saying many children now live in constant fear of kidnapping and violent attacks.
ERC also criticised the huge security budgets approved by government over the years, questioning why insecurity continues to spread despite billions allegedly spent on security initiatives such as the Safe School programme.
As part of its demands, the group urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to mobilise Nigerians for coordinated nationwide protests and industrial action. It also proposed the creation of a multi-ethnic community defence structure to support security agencies in protecting schools and local communities.
