The outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic, which led to the total shutdown of the academic activities, has not only come to stay in Nigeria but created an indelible scar yet unhealed. With the way the Federal Government is handling the education sector at this time, our faith in the nation’s education system and what it might offers therefore is starting to wane in the face of the socio-economic challenges yet to be experienced after this dreaded pandemic if the needful is not done on time.
Reality check, with how figure are kept rolling out, it is doubtful if our schools will really resume academic activities this year.
Reports stated that most states in the country are inundated with increase reports of child sexual abuses since the lockdown started late March. Despite the fact that lockdown is relaxed by some states, many offices and schools are yet to re-open.
Gathered facts has it that even before the Covid-19 lockdown, child rape has been part of our existence as young girls between the age of 10 – 20 were raped freely but worsening to note recently that the abuse skyrocketed from 2-7 years old kids by adults and children themselves. And this alarming stage has no doubt raised an eyebrow as the Covid-19 continues, this evil (rape) will most likely to grow with multiple impacts on the child psyche and even if the child rights act is domesticated.
Only reported cases will still be given priority and the ones which involves the rich and mighty will be treated with kid gloves while we watch and criticise in handicapped.
Before the lockdown, cases of child sexual abuses was low compare to what is happening now since they now stay in the same compound, house and environment with the abusers. The constant violations of child rights act prompted the federal legislators to pass the law protecting the child rights which its adoption by various states of the federation became an issue. Today. even where it was domesticated, its implementation by law enforcement officers will become an issue. For when the Nigeria law gets to the corridor of the rich, it is usually believed to be ineffective.
Given the pathetic scenario the lockdown has on the Nigerian child for this four months, and having put the government plausible safety measures in place for combating the world dreaded pandemic, Government should not look the other way by delaying school re-resumption which has put these kids away from sexual abusers and for a better future to be envisaged.
The need to re-open schools soonest should be made a priority with the implementation of the spelled out measures strictly monitored for constant delay posses more harm than good to the Nigerian child.
– Comrade Paul Edoh Jnr
An Abuja based educationist and media practitioner.
Email: comradepauledoh@gmail.com
