The member representing Gaya/Aljingi/Albasu Federal Constituency of Kano State, Dr. Ghali Mustapha Tijjani, has called for the introduction of homeschooling as a solution to Nigeria’s struggling education system.
His advocacy comes as he sponsors two bills in the House of Representatives aimed at making homeschooling a viable option for Nigerian families.
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Tijjani introduced the “Compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1860)” and the “Child’s Rights Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1859)” to the National Assembly. These bills aim to establish a legal framework for homeschooling, addressing the issues of access, quality, and inclusivity within the educational system.
The Compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Act passed its first reading in the House on Thursday, setting the stage for a broader debate. Speaking to The Nation on Saturday, Tijjani explained that his motivation for proposing the bills stemmed from his observations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“In advanced countries, children’s education was not disrupted during the pandemic, but here in Nigeria, many children faced significant barriers to learning,” Tijjani said. “A child’s right to education should not be hindered, and any delay in their education affects their future progress.”
The lawmaker pointed to the high number of out-of-school children in Nigeria, which he believes homeschooling could help alleviate. “The bill gives parents the option to educate their children at home, using the Nigerian curriculum. They can hire local teachers or even teach their children directly,” Tijjani noted.
He emphasized that this initiative would particularly benefit vulnerable children, including those in remote areas and Almajiri children, by providing access to formal education. Homeschooling, according to Tijjani, also has economic advantages, reducing the financial burden on parents.
“Parents who homeschool can avoid costs associated with uniforms, transportation, and other school-related expenses, while also easing the strain on government infrastructure,” he explained.
Homeschooling, Tijjani argued, could also address security concerns by eliminating the need for children to travel long distances to schools in unsafe areas. Furthermore, it offers the opportunity for parents to be more involved in their children’s moral development and protect them from negative influences.
“I’m sorry to say that there are moral issues in our primary and secondary schools. Homeschooling gives parents better control over their children’s moral education,” he said.
The lawmaker also acknowledged the challenges of implementing homeschooling, particularly the cost of technology and online learning. However, he reassured that the bill provides flexibility, allowing for both online and traditional homeschooling methods.
“Parents do not necessarily need to connect to online platforms. They can follow the Nigerian curriculum with the help of local teachers or teach their children themselves,” Tijjani clarified.
Addressing concerns about the potential decline in educational standards, Tijjani argued that homeschooling could offer more personalized learning. “Public schools often have overcrowded classrooms, making it difficult for teachers to give individual attention. Homeschooling allows for one-on-one guidance, which can improve the quality of education,” he stated.
The bill also includes provisions to ensure compliance with national standards. “Uniform exams like WAEC, NECO, and Common Entrance will serve as checkpoints to measure adherence to the curriculum,” Tijjani said.
The lawmaker emphasized that homeschooling would be an alternative, not a replacement for traditional schooling. “It’s an option. Parents who prefer conventional schools can continue, but those who cannot afford them now have a legal alternative to educate their children at home,” he explained.
Tijjani urged Nigerians, particularly the media, to support the bills, describing them as “a policy for the common man.” He expressed confidence that the bills would receive widespread support in the legislature and among the public.
