Former Minister of Education, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, sharply criticised President Bola Tinubu, state governors, and the wider Nigerian political class on Children’s Day, saying dem no get moral right to celebrate Nigerian children.

For her statement on May 27, she describe the day not as celebration but as a “National Day of Shame,” pointing to ongoing insecurity, poverty, and failure in education as clear signs say government don fail young people.

Ezekwesili highlight several recent cases of school kidnappings, including the abduction of students and teachers for Oyo State in May 2026, Niger State in November 2025, and Kaduna State in March 2024.She also remind Nigerians of the Chibok girls, where more than 90 still dey missing over a decade later.According to her, these repeated incidents show say authorities never take protection of children seriously.Beyond insecurity, she also point to worsening social conditions.

She cite estimates from the UN World Food Programme wey show say about 35 million people fit face hunger for 2026, including many children wey dey suffer malnutrition and stunted growth.She also mention say around 19 million Nigerian children no dey attend school, while about 70 percent of 10-year-olds no fit read simple sentences.Ezekwesili argue say these realities make any Children’s Day message from political leaders hypocritical.She insist say a government wey cannot protect or properly educate its children don lose legitimacy to celebrate them.Her comments follow a pattern of consistent criticism of government handling of education and security issues.Overall, her message be strong call for accountability, urging leaders to focus on real reforms instead of symbolic celebrations.