Section 15 Child’s Right Act

Section 15 Child’s Right Act 2003 is about Right of a child to free, compulsory and universal primary education, etc. It is under Part II (Rights and Responsibilities of a Child) of the Act.

(1) Every child has the right to free, compulsory and universal basic education and it shall be the duty of the Government in Nigeria to provide such education.

(2) Every parent or guardian shall ensure that his child or ward attends and completes his‐
(a) primary school education; and
(b) junior secondary education.

(3) Every parent, guardian or person who has the care and custody of a child who has completed his basic education, shall endeavour to send the child to a senior secondary school, except as provided for in subsection (4) of this section.

(4) Where a child to whom subsection (3) of this section applies is not sent to senior secondary school, the child shall be encouraged to learn an appropriate trade and the employer of the child shall provide the necessaries for learning the trade.

(5) A female child who becomes pregnant, before completing her education shall be given the opportunity, after delivery, to continue with her education, on the basis of her individual ability.

(6) Where a parent, guardian or person who has care and custody of a child, fails in the duty imposed on him under subsection (2) of this section, commits an offence and is liable‐
(a) on first conviction to be reprimanded and ordered to undertake community service;
(b) on second conviction to a fine of two thousand naira or imprisonment for a term not exceeding one month or to both such fine and imprisonment; and
(c) on any subsequent conviction to a fine not exceeding five thousand naira or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two months or to both such fine and imprisonment.

(7) The provisions of this section shall not apply to children with mental disabilities.