Experts on child development and security have urged parents, schools, communities and government to move away from survival-oriented child-rearing and focus more deliberately on raising confident, capable future leaders.
They made the call during the latest edition of Perspectives with Simiat Abaru, which examined the theme, “Are We Raising Leaders or Just Survivors? The Future of the Nigerian Child.”
Speaking on the programme, Engr. Temitayo Agemo-Okuboyejo stressed the need to distinguish between manageable stress, which can help children develop coping skills, and toxic stress caused by experiences such as violence, insecurity and severe deprivation.
She cautioned against romanticising suffering as a pathway to success, noting that exposing children to harmful circumstances in the name of building resilience could instead leave them traumatised.
Also speaking, Dr. Hameed Abodunrin argued that Nigeria's current social and educational environment is largely preparing children to survive rather than equipping them with the confidence, skills and mindset required to become effective leaders.
He advocated the introduction of personal security education from an early age, alongside community-based programmes that would teach children environmental awareness, personal safety and how to identify and report potential threats.
The experts identified child hunger, insecurity, inadequate educational opportunities and weak child-protection mechanisms as major challenges affecting children's development.
They called for stronger national policies to protect children, curriculum reforms that promote critical thinking and leadership, and greater collaboration among parents, communities, policymakers and other stakeholders.
The programme also examined cultural and religious influences on child-rearing, with participants calling for constructive national conversations on practices that may no longer adequately serve children's interests in a changing society.
The discussion concluded with a call for Nigeria to deliberately transition from a culture of survival to one of opportunity, empowerment and leadership.
The experts urged government and other stakeholders to create an environment where Nigerian children can thrive, develop their potential and prepare for leadership rather than simply endure hardship.
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