The House of Representatives on Thursday, June 6, called on the Federal Ministry of Communications to develop measures to limit social media usage for children below 16 years in Nigeria.

The House said the rise of social media has exposed young children to unsupervised orientation, leading to misplaced priorities and neglect of schoolwork.

It urged the federal government to adequately fund the educational sector in the country.

The House also urged the Federal Ministry of Education to review and apply stringent policies to the standards of education in Nigeria at all levels.

It further urged the Federal Ministry of Education and the Universal Basic Education Commission to work with the Teachers’ Education Council of Nigeria (TRCN) and other relevant bodies to monitor the accreditation and strictly regulate the Continued Professional Development (CPD) of teachers in Nigeria.

The Committees on Basic Education and Services and Communications were mandated to ensure implementation.

These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion titled, “Need to Tackle the Dropping Standards of Education in Nigeria” sponsored by Hon. Ayodeji Alao Akala.

The House noted that the introduction of Western education changed the education landscape in Nigeria and placed educated Nigerians on a level playing field globally.

The House also noted that Nigerians have demonstrated educational prowess and capability globally, earning admirable seats in positions that only education provided.

It observed that the Nigerian educational sector is facing a continuous decline in standards due to poor funding, inadequate facilities, insufficient teachers, corruption, insecurity, poor supervision, poor policy implementation, and poor attitudes towards schoolwork.

The House said meanwhile the rise of social media has exposed young children to unsupervised orientation, leading to misplaced priorities and neglect of school work.

The House worried that the Nigerian school system is plagued with numerous social vices such as examination malpractices, cultism, hooliganism, and corruption.

It was alarming that despite the constant reduction in cut-off marks, secondary school students struggle to meet average marks, highlighting the importance of education in societal development, industries, and moral regeneration.

The House believed that Education is considered the foundation of societal development, moral regeneration, and people’s revival, serving as the lifeline of society;

The House said the government must take practical steps to address identified problems in the educational sector and foster the development of youth. (The Nation)

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