A teacher in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Mrs Blessing Onuh, has stressed the importance of proper child upbringing as a foundation for building a progressive society and advancing national development.
Onuh, who serves as Head Teacher at Lyngra Montessori Schools in Karu, remarked during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday as part of activities marking the 2025 Children’s Day celebration.
“As we celebrate Children’s Day today, parents must reflect on the future of our children,” she said. “The future of any nation largely depends on the kind of children being raised. As the saying goes, children are the leaders of tomorrow. What will happen to our tomorrow if children are not properly guided and educated?”
She emphasised the role of the family in shaping the values and character of children, describing it as the first and most critical influence in a child’s life.
“The family is the first point of contact for any society. It plays a crucial role in a child’s life,” she noted. “A child is first nurtured in the family before entering the larger society, so good moral values should be instilled early.”
Onuh urged parents to be intentional about raising their children, emphasising the importance of investing time and attention during the formative years.
“If these early years are well guided, children tend to grow into responsible citizens with good morals,” she said. “However, if neglected, they develop a myopic mindset and are easily influenced by negative elements in society.”
Highlighting the critical role of education, Onuh stated that quality learning is indispensable in shaping the Nigerian child and ensuring societal growth.
“The importance of quality education cannot be overemphasised. It is the key to success. For any society to stand tall, quality education must be prioritised,” she stated.
She added that access to proper education equips children with the knowledge and skills to contribute meaningfully to national development.
“This opens doors for financial and social growth. If Nigeria wants to achieve peace and progress, quality education is essential,” she explained.
Onuh described quality education as one that includes well-equipped infrastructure, qualified teachers, sound educational policies, effective teaching aids, and regular training for educators to keep pace with evolving global standards.
She urged parents, schools, and the government to be deliberate in providing the guidance and support children need to become responsible members of society.
Children’s day is celebrated annually in Nigeria on May 27 to honour children and raise awareness of their rights, welfare, and potential as future leaders. It was established as a holiday in 1964 for primary and secondary school children.
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