The Kwara State Government has approved a statewide Child Rights Training Programme for students and teachers across public and private schools aimed at strengthening child protection systems and promoting awareness of children's rights within the education sector.

The development was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Administrative Secretary of Sterling Human Resource Development & Logistics Limited, Idowu Praise, a copy of which was made available to The PUNCH in Ilorin.

The approval was formally conveyed in a letter dated April 28, 2026, and signed by Aina Eunice on behalf of the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Lawal Olohungbebe.

The Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development granted the approval under reference number DE/SS/GEN/001/VOL. III/10 following a proposal submitted on April 9, 2026, by Sterling Human Resource Development & Logistics Limited for a structured statewide child rights intervention.

The statement read, "Sterling Human Resource Development & Logistics Limited hereby announces the official approval granted by the Kwara State Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development for the implementation of a comprehensive Child Rights Training Programme targeting students and teachers across the state.

"The approval was formally conveyed in a letter dated 28 April 2026, with reference number DE/SS/GEN/001/VOL. III/10, duly signed by Mrs Aina Bose Eunice on behalf of the Honourable Commissioner."

The organisation said the approval reflects government backing for a coordinated effort to embed child rights education into school systems across the three senatorial districts of the state.

"This milestone follows a detailed proposal submitted on 9 April 2026, seeking authorisation to carry out a structured and impact-driven training initiative designed to strengthen child protection systems within the educational sector," the statement noted.

According to the organisation, the programme will be implemented in phases across selected public and private schools to ensure effective participation and engagement of stakeholders.

"The approved programme will be implemented across selected public and private schools within the three senatorial districts of Kwara State.

"To ensure effectiveness, accessibility, and meaningful participation, the training will be conducted in carefully structured phases, allowing for adequate engagement with stakeholders at all levels," it said.

The training sessions, it added, would focus on child rights principles, safeguarding responsibilities, and practical response mechanisms for addressing child rights violations in schools.

"Special emphasis will be placed on equipping teachers with the knowledge and skills required to identify, prevent, and appropriately respond to child rights violations," the organisation stated.

Students are also expected to receive orientation on discipline, accountability, and responsible behaviour as part of efforts to create safer and more inclusive learning environments.

"At the end of the training, participants will undergo a structured assessment designed to evaluate their understanding and retention of the knowledge imparted," the statement added.

It noted that outstanding participants would be rewarded, while successful participants would receive commendation certificates.

The organisation said it would fully sponsor the programme and described the initiative as a major step toward strengthening child protection systems in schools across the state.

It also appreciated Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Lawal Olohungbebe, for supporting the initiative.

Nigeria enacted the Child Rights Act in 2003 to provide legal protection and promote the welfare, development, and participation of children.

The law outlines safeguards against abuse, exploitation, child labour, trafficking, and harmful practices, while also guaranteeing access to education, healthcare, and protection.

Several states, including Kwara State, have domesticated the law and continued to implement programmes aimed at improving child protection systems, especially within schools and communities.