A bill to legalise homeschooling has passed the House of Representatives‘ first reading.
The bill, which is being sponsored by Kano state’s Mustapha Tijjani, aims to revise the Compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Act 2024.
The goal of the measure, which passed first reading on Thursday, is to grant parents, guardians, or carers the legal authority to give their kids the “necessary basic education” at home.
Section 2 of the principal act states that:
“Every parent shall ensure that his child or ward undergoes and completes his/her (a) primary school education; and (b) junior secondary school education, by endeavouring to send the child to primary and junior secondary schools”.
The bill suggests adding a new clause, “Junior secondary school education by endeavouring to send the child to primary and junior secondary schools or by teaching them at home,” in place of section (2b) above.
Homeschooling is defined as “parents, guardians, or carers educating their children at home instead of sending them to a traditional public or private school” in section 15 of the bill.
Speaking to reporters, the member clarified that the bill would expand educational access if it were to become law.
“The bill gives parents the option to educate their children at home, either by hiring a local teacher or teaching them personally, using the Nigerian curriculum,” he said.
“Parents who choose homeschooling will reduce the strain on government infrastructure and resources. It also minimises costs associated with uniforms, transportation, and other school-related expenses.
“Parents don’t necessarily need to connect to online platforms. They can follow the Nigerian curriculum with the help of local teachers or by teaching their children directly.
“Uniform national exams like WAEC, NECO, and common entrance will serve as checkpoints to measure compliance with the curriculum.”
The lawmaker added that the bill proposes homeschooling as an option not mandatory.
“It is optional. Parents who prefer conventional schools can continue but those unable to afford it can now have a legal option to educate their children at home,” he said.
