Int’l Education Day 2026: Saffron Foundation Urges Stronger Child Protection, Inclusive Education Policies
By Prosper Okoye
Saffron Social Development Global Foundation has called on governments at all levels to strengthen policies that promote inclusive education and child safeguarding in schools across Nigeria.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Friday to mark the 2026 International Education Day, the organisation urged educational institutions to adopt child-friendly, supportive and non-discriminatory learning environments, while calling on communities, parents and caregivers to prioritise education and protect children from abuse, neglect and exploitation.
The Global Director of the foundation, Opeyemi Ebulu-Eyuruntari, expressed concern that millions of Nigerian children remain out of school, particularly those from poor and vulnerable backgrounds.
She identified poverty, displacement, child labour and abuse as major factors keeping children out of classrooms.
“Education remains the most powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty and exclusion, yet for millions of Nigerian children it remains out of reach,” she said.
The foundation noted that many children who are enrolled still face unsafe learning environments, discrimination and lack of support, making it difficult for them to remain in school.
It stressed that schools should go beyond academic instruction to provide protective, nurturing and inclusive spaces for children.
“When education is child-centred and supportive, vulnerable children are not only protected from marginalisation but are better equipped to become productive members of society,” the organisation said.
Saffron Foundation called on federal and state governments to strengthen child-protection frameworks in schools and expand access to inclusive education, especially in underserved communities.
It also urged schools to adopt child-friendly and non-discriminatory practices, and appealed to parents and communities to play active roles in safeguarding children.
Nigeria’s Country Director of the foundation, Chief ‘Aare’ Oluwasegun Oyedijo, said child safeguarding remains a top priority for the organisation.
“Through advocacy, community engagement and partnerships, we continue to work towards a future where every child, regardless of background, has access to quality education in a safe and supportive environment,” he said.
Nigeria has one of the highest numbers of out-of-school children globally, with conflict, poverty and weak infrastructure worsening the crisis.
As the world marks International Education Day, the foundation said renewed investment in child-focused and inclusive education is critical to Nigeria’s future.
“Education that safeguards today builds a stronger and more inclusive Nigeria tomorrow,” it said.
