HURIWA’s Onwubiko Faults Politicians Over Preference for Foreign Education for Their Children
Human rights activist and Founder of the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, has criticised Nigerian political leaders for sending their children to foreign universities while, he said, the country’s public education system continues to suffer from years of neglect and underinvestment.
In an opinion article titled “They Ruin Our Schools, School Their Kids Abroad,” Onwubiko argued that the growing trend of politicians publicly celebrating the overseas graduation of their children highlights what he described as a widening disconnect between Nigeria’s political elite and the realities faced by ordinary citizens.
According to him, many political office holders who established or supervised public universities during their time in office often choose not to enrol their own children in those institutions, preferring instead universities in Europe and North America.
He cited the recent graduation ceremonies attended by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the Governor of Anambra State, whose children graduated from universities in the United Kingdom, noting that the events received widespread media coverage.
The HURIWA founder contrasted the celebrations with the country’s prevailing socio-economic challenges, referencing reports indicating that millions of Nigerians continue to face food insecurity.
He also observed that only a few political leaders appeared to have opted for Nigerian institutions for their children’s education, pointing to the Governor of Osun State, whose daughter graduated from a university in Nigeria.
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Onwubiko argued that the preference for foreign education reflects a lack of confidence by political leaders in the country’s educational system, despite many of them overseeing education policies and institutions during their tenure in public office.
He further contended that access to public office has increasingly become associated with wealth accumulation, alleging that this has enabled many politicians to afford expensive overseas education for their families.
To support his argument, Onwubiko referenced recent anti-corruption cases involving public officials, including a Federal High Court judgment ordering the forfeiture of multiple properties linked to a former Attorney-General of the Federation following proceedings initiated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
He said such developments underscore the need for greater accountability and transparency in public service.
The rights advocate also expressed concern over what he described as the persistence of vote-buying and weak civic accountability, arguing that these factors have enabled political leaders to remain in office without sufficient public scrutiny.
He called on Nigerians to demand greater accountability from elected officials and to make electoral choices based on competence, integrity and commitment to public service rather than financial inducements.
Onwubiko further urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to intensify public enlightenment campaigns against vote-buying, saying stronger civic engagement would help promote responsible leadership and improve governance.
He concluded that rebuilding Nigeria’s education system would require sustained political commitment and citizens willing to hold public officials accountable for their stewardship.
By PRNigeria
