Ghali Tijjani (NNPP-Kano) has urged all stakeholders to support the bills seeking to provide a legal framework for homeschooling in the country.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Friday, Mr Tijani said the bill, which was introduced in the House of Representatives on Thursday, aimed to revamp Nigeria’s struggling educational system.

The reform bills introduced in the House are the Compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1860) and Child’s Rights Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1859). Mr Tijani sponsored them.

According to the lawmaker, the Compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Act amendment bill seeks to provide a legal framework for homeschooling.

He further stated that the bill spoke to issues of access, quality and inclusivity in the education sector while reducing the number of out-of-school children.

Mr Tijani, representing Albasu/Gaya/Ajingi Federal Constituency of Kano State, noted that in the advanced world, nothing could hinder children’s education.

According to him, in Africa and Nigeria in particular, the education system has been hindered, and this should not have been because a child should have the right to education.

“The bill gives parents the option to educate their children at home, either by hiring a local teacher or teaching them personally, using the Nigerian curriculum.

“Parents who choose homeschooling reduce the strain on government infrastructure and resources. It also minimises costs associated with uniforms, transportation and other school-related expenses.

“Parents can better monitor their children’s moral development and shield them from negative influences often encountered in schools,” he said.

The lawmaker added that this initiative would benefit vulnerable children, including those in remote areas and Almajiri children, by providing them with opportunities for formal education.

Mr Tijani argued that homeschooling could address security concerns, as children would not need to travel long distances to schools in unsafe areas.

He said the bill incorporated online and traditional homeschooling methods, adding that parents would not necessarily need to connect to online platforms.

Mr Tijani said parents could follow the Nigerian curriculum with the help of local teachers or by teaching their children directly at home.

The lawmaker also argued that homeschooling could enhance quality by allowing personalised, focused learning.

“Public schools often have overcrowded classrooms, making it hard for teachers to give individual attention. Homeschooling creates an environment where children can receive one-on-one guidance.

“Uniform national exams like WAEC, NECO and Common Entrance will serve as checkpoints to measure compliance with the curriculum,” he said.

Mr Tijani, however, said homeschooling was optional, saying parents who prefer conventional schools can continue as the initiative was an option for those unable to afford conventional schools.

He appealed to Nigerians, particularly the media, to support the bill, which he described as a “policy for the common man.”

The lawmaker expressed optimism that the bill would receive widespread backing in the legislature and from the public.

(NAN)