For a better tomorrow, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has urged Nigerian students to embrace healthy lifestyles, proper hygiene, good nutrition and immunization.
These, he said, are essential to protect their future and for them to develop responsible leadership qualities.
The Minister gave the advice on Wednesday during the maiden edition of the Kid’s Dialogue Series, organised by the Federal Ministry of Education in Abuja.
It had the theme: “Empowering Young Voices to Shape Health, Learning and Well-being in Nigeria.”
The event was organised in partnership with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and the Centre for Well-being and Integrated Nutritious Solutions (C-WINS).
During interactive session with students drawn from various schools across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Minister said good health remained the foundation for learning, productivity and leadership.
“If you don’t have health, you don’t have a life. You are the future of this nation and we have to start right by keeping you healthy. The most important person in keeping you healthy is you.”
Describing vaccination as one of the most effective ways of preventing dangerous and life-threatening diseases, he urged the students to always confirm from their parents and teachers that they were up to date with their immunisation schedules.
”You should ask your parents and teachers, am I up to date with my vaccination?” the Minister said.
Advances in Healthcare, he pointed out, have made vaccines like HPV effective in preventing certain cancers, while those for measles and polio continue to protect millions of children from serious diseases.
According to him, keeping children healthy was essential to achieving national development goals and building future generations of productive citizens.
Dr. Alausa also commended teachers and parents for their roles in nurturing children and helping them realise their potential.
The Executive Director, NPHCDA, Dr Muyi Aina, at the event, encouraged students to become “health champions” by promoting healthy behaviours among their peers and communities.
”As you learn, it is important that you also practise healthy behaviours, get your vaccinations, maintain good hygiene and eat nutritious food,” he said.
The theme of the dialogue, he said, highlighted the importance of engaging young people early in discussions on health and well-being.
“We need to catch them young and set them on the path of health. For you to become healthy, productive adults, you need both education and good health,” he said.
He also urged students and teachers to freely share ideas, suggestions and questions during the dialogue, adding that such engagements would help shape a healthier future for Nigerian children.
During the interactive session, students raised questions on immunisation, mental health and general well-being, which the Minister answered.