Agbakoba (SAN)
By Editor.
A senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and a one time president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Dr. Olisa Agbakoba has urged the 36 governors of the federation and the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to vigorously implement the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure free and compulsory basic education for Nigerian children.
Agbakoba, a foremost human rights lawyer elevated into the Inner Bar in 1998 said implementing this directive, the governors will be complying with the constitutional provisions in section 18 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and section 2 of the Compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Act, 2004.
His statement was contained in a press release circulated to journalists through his media aide, Niyi Odunmorayo.
The statement reads: “We write to congratulate President Muhammadu Buhari for calling on governors of states to rigorously enforce the constitutional and statutory provisions on free and compulsory basic education guaranteed by Section 18 of the 1999 constitution (as amended) and Section 2 of the Compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Act of 2004.
“It is our expectation going forward that every governor and local government will work to ensure that our schools offer the right opportunity and provide the needed materials and teachers for basic education.
“In order to support governments’ effort, HURILAWS has initiated a nationwide monitoring programme to ensure compliance by states with Section 18 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 2 of the Compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Etc. Act of 2004”.
