The Centre for African Policy Research and Advice (CAFPRA) has called on the National Assembly to review Nigeria’s policies on sexuality education and reproductive health, expressing concerns over the content of some programmes targeted at children.
The organisation made the call during a media engagement in Abuja, where it urged lawmakers to scrutinise sexuality education programmes, policy documents and educational materials being used in schools, particularly those affecting children.
CAFPRA alleged that some sexuality-related programmes expose young Nigerians to content it considers inappropriate for their age and called for greater legislative oversight.
Executive Director of CAFPRA, Dr Segun Adebayo, said policies affecting Nigerian children should reflect the country’s social and cultural realities and should be developed through broad consultation with parents, educators, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.
“We are dedicated to the policies of the land, to be sure that the policies of the government in Africa are consistent with the realities of Africa,” Adebayo said.
He disclosed that the organisation had written to the Presidency and the leadership of the National Assembly to raise its concerns and planned to engage relevant legislative committees while presenting policy recommendations to lawmakers.
Adebayo cited an incident involving a Junior Secondary School student, which he said highlighted concerns about the content of some educational materials available to children.
“In Nigeria, if you look at the front, there’s a story there of a JSS student. This happened. I met the parents. The girl drew a very explicit diagram. Then the school saw it and asked her, where did you get this from? And she responded that it was from her textbook,” the Executive Director stated.
Also speaking, human rights lawyer and CAFPRA member, Mr Sonnie Ekwowusi, called for a review of the school curriculum, alleging that some materials had not received adequate scrutiny.
“For a very long time now, we’ve not reviewed our curriculum for learning. And so some of these things are hidden in these things that people hardly see. Until you go in there. So it is time now to review those things
“Public opinion change is currently where they are going, because if public opinion does not change, it will never be passed as a law,” he added.
Policy researcher and media personality, Mr Gold Boms, said the organisation was examining legislative proposals and policies to determine whether they align with Nigeria’s social realities.
“We are making sure that all the bills being passed, we are looking at them and saying, look, this is not aligned with our social reality,” Boms said.
The group maintained that ongoing discussions on sexuality education and reproductive health require closer examination by policymakers to ensure that educational content remains consistent with national values and societal expectations.
