10/10/2025
The People's Parliament IS EDUCATION REALLY FREE IN NIGERIA?
Someone recently posted that “the law did not ask your parents to train you beyond JSS3,” claiming that after Junior Secondary, it’s no longer their duty but the government’s.
Well, let’s be clear…
Yes, Section 15 of the Child’s Rights Act (2003) says every child has the right to free, compulsory, and universal basic education, and that it’s the duty of the government to provide it.
But the key word there is “basic.”
In Nigeria, basic education only covers Primary 1 to JSS3 not Senior Secondary or University.
So, once a student moves beyond JSS3, everything from SS1 to higher institutions becomes the responsibility of parents or guardians (except in states that offer special scholarships or free education policies).
Now, even that “free” basic education is not entirely free.
Students still pay for uniforms, exam fees, textbooks, and sometimes even PTA levies.
So while the law promises free education, the reality on ground is far from it.
That’s why when parents struggle to pay school fees, buy books, or send their children to higher institutions, they deserve respect and appreciation. They are doing what the government should be doing and even more.
Education in Nigeria is supposed to be free, but in practice, it costs sweat, sacrifice, and serious determination to get it.
So if your parents trained you beyond JSS3, call them today and thank them.
Because, truth be told the law may promise free education,
but it’s love, not law, that truly raised most of us.
Nawa o. The law students dey suffer o🥹 for this govt hard 😔