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Some experts, including Hanatu Enwemadu, Executive Director of A Mother’s Love Initiative, are urging the federal government, educational stakeholders, and relevant agencies to tackle the escalating issue of 'The Hurried Child Syndrome' (THCS) in schools.
Enwemadu, a lawyer, highlighted that enrolling underage children in schools negatively affects their overall well-being. She called for the federal government to enact laws preventing such practices to ensure the proper growth and development of Nigerian children.
In partnership with the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LSUBEB) and Kosofe School Basic Management Committee (SBMC), A Mother’s Love Initiative organized a one-day sensitization program. This event aimed to educate stakeholders on the necessity of curbing THCS.
Enwemadu advised parents to allow their children to develop naturally before enrolling them in schools, noting that the pressure to create “super kids” forces children into premature adulthood.
"Research indicates that rushing children through childhood impacts their social and emotional development, which can have long-term effects,"Enwemadu stated. "We see children as young as eight in secondary schools after skipping several years of primary education, and this has significant implications for the child, our society, and the world at large. We must let Nigerian children grow.”
She urged the federal government to pass a law making it a crime to admit underage children into schools. "Policies are in place, but we are advocating that it be signed into law," Enwemadu emphasized.
"Parents, the government, and education stakeholders must understand the need to end this practice."
Enwemadu also drew attention to broader societal issues affecting children in Nigeria, such as abductions and exposure to various vices, advocating for child-focused interventions. Since its inception , A Mother’s Love Initiative has aimed to change the narrative for Nigerian children through advocacy, psycho-education, preventive and remedial interventions, reorientation, professional counseling, documentaries, and community support services.
In his welcome address, Hon. Babatunde Shoneye, Education Secretary of Kosofe LGEA, cautioned against The hurried child practice, underaged enrollment and urged stakeholders to develop strategies to protect the mental health of school children for a better future.
Mr. Oladapo Dada, a technical expert and educational psychologist, described THCS as a phenomenon characterized by excessive pressures and expectations on children, leading to adverse physical, emotional, and social consequences.
He noted that inadequate human resources, decreased productivity, and rising social vices are among the effects of THCS.
Dada called for the integration of emotional health into the curriculum and the enactment of supportive laws as remedies.
The Chairman of SBMC, Mr. Odeyemi Richard, affirmed Kosofe LGEA's commitment to promoting the message at the federal level, urging all stakeholders to collaborate to eliminate THCS.
"This program is crucial. We must ensure our society is free from The hurried child syndrome and sharp practices," Richard stated.
"Kosofe will champion this cause at both the Lagos State and federal levels."
This call to action underscores the urgency for collaborative efforts to safeguard the well-being of Nigerian children and ensure their healthy development.
