Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, launched a passionate campaign for healthier lifestyles among Nigerian children, declaring that the nation’s future depends on a generation that embraces vaccination, proper nutrition, personal hygiene and mental well-being.
Speaking at the maiden edition of the Kid’s Dialogue Series in Abuja on Wednesday, Alausa urged students to take responsibility for their health.
He noted that good health remains the foundation for learning, productivity and leadership.
The programme, organised by the Federal Ministry of Education in partnership with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency ,NPHCDA, and the Centre for Well-being and Integrated Nutritious Solutions (C-WINS), brought together students from schools across the Federal Capital Territory under the theme: “Empowering Young Voices to Shape Health, Learning and Well-being in Nigeria.”
The minister stressed that no nation can build a prosperous future without healthy children.
“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,” he said.
According to him, vaccines have played a vital role in reducing the burden of diseases such as measle,polio and HPV- related cancers, urging students to ensure they are fully vaccinated.
“You should ask your parents and teachers, ‘Am I up to date with my vaccination?’” he said.
He also commended parents and teachers, whom he described as indispensable partners in nurturing the next generation of leaders.
The Executive Director of NPHCDA, Dr. Muyi Aina, echoed the minister’s message, challenging students to become ambassadors of healthy living in their schools and communities.
He encouraged them to maintain good hygiene, eat nutritious meals and take advantage of available vaccination programmes.
Aina noted that exposing children early to conversations about health, wellness and responsible decision-making would help them develop responsible habits and grow into healthy and productive adults.
The interactive session provided students with a rare opportunity to directly engage top government officials on issues affecting their well-being.
One of the students, David Johnson of Junior Secondary School, Tudun Wada, asked whether people suffering from trauma and depression could fully recover, while another, Adewumi Temiloluwa, sought advice on what children should do when parents refuse to allow them receive vaccinations.
Responding, Alausa reassured the students that recovery from emotional and psychological challenges is possible through open communication and professional support.
He encouraged children facing mental health difficulties to speak with trusted adults and seek help from trained professionals when necessary.
The minister further stressed on vaccination, saying parents should support immunisation efforts, but advised children to respectfully explain the benefits of vaccines to their parents and teachers and seek guidance from them where needed.
