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Court Rules Free Basic Education Is a Legal Right for Every Nigerian Child

Phinadon Mag

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Quick Summary:
Federal High Court in Lagos rules that the Federal Government, 36 states, and the FCT are legally bound to provide free and compulsory basic education under the UBE Act of 2004.

Landmark Judgment on Education Rights

The Federal High Court in Lagos has reaffirmed that the Federal Government, all 36 states, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are legally obligated to provide free, compulsory, and universal basic education for every Nigerian child.

The ruling, delivered by Justice D.E. Osiagor on October 9, 2025 (with a certified copy obtained on November 27, 2025), is being hailed as a landmark judgment that strengthens the legal foundation for universal access to education in Nigeria.

Based on the UBE Act of 2004

Justice Osiagor’s decision is grounded in the Compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Act of 2004 (UBE Act), which operationalizes the constitutional commitment to education.

While Chapter Two of the 1999 Constitution lists education as a non-justiciable directive principle, the court held that the National Assembly, by enacting the UBE Act, made the right to basic education enforceable.

Education Declared an Enforceable Right

The court ruled that basic education is a justiciable and enforceable right, meaning citizens can legally compel the government to fulfill its obligations under the UBE Act.

Justice Osiagor stated that the failure of any tier of government to provide free basic education constitutes a violation of statutory duty.

Government’s Statutory Duties

The judgment clarified that all tiers of government—federal, state, and local—must provide free services in public primary and junior secondary schools, including:

  • Provision of books and instructional materials
  • Construction and maintenance of classrooms and furniture
  • Implementation of free school lunch programs

The court emphasized that these are not discretionary acts but legal obligations under the UBE Act.

Parental Responsibilities and Penalties

The ruling also reaffirmed that parents have a legal duty to ensure their children attend and complete primary and junior secondary education.

The UBE Act prescribes penalties for non-compliance, reinforcing that education is a shared responsibility between government and parents.

Clarification on UBE Fund Access

A major aspect of the judgment addressed the Universal Basic Education (UBE) matching grants, which are funded through 2% of the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

The court ruled that while states are not legally compelled to access these grants—since doing so requires a 50% counterpart contribution—their refusal to access the funds does not absolve them of their core obligation to provide free basic education from their own budgets.

This clarification is expected to increase pressure on state governments that have historically failed to utilize available education funds, contributing to Nigeria’s high number of out-of-school children.

Implications for Education Policy

The judgment is expected to reshape education governance in Nigeria by holding governments accountable for neglecting basic education.

Education advocates have described the ruling as a turning point that could empower civil society and parents to demand compliance with the UBE Act.

Legal experts note that the decision provides a clear judicial precedent for enforcing the right to education as a fundamental social obligation of the state.

Entertainment

Burna Boy makes history as the first male artist to reach No. 1 on Spotify’s Global Music Video Chart.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Nigerian superstar Damini Ogulu, famously known as Burna Boy, has once again etched his name in history, this time by becoming the first male artist to claim the coveted #1 spot on Spotify’s newly launched Global Music Video Chart. This monumental achievement comes courtesy of his electrifying World Cup anthem with pop icon Shakira, ‘Dai Dai.’

‘Dai Dai’ has proven to be an unstoppable force, not only conquering the Spotify chart but also making significant waves on the Billboard Hot 100, where it recently soared to a new peak of #13. Industry experts are already predicting a top 10 entry next week, fueled by the highly anticipated World Cup Final Halftime Show performance by Burna Boy and Shakira this coming Sunday.
The song’s dominance extends far beyond these charts. ‘Dai Dai’ remains the most-streamed music video of 2026 on YouTube, boasting an astonishing half a billion views. It has also reached the pinnacle of the Apple Music Global Songs Charts, solidifying its status as a global phenomenon.

Burna Boy’s incredible success with ‘Dai Dai’ has further cemented his position as a titan of the music industry. He has extended his record as the African artist with the most monthly listeners in Spotify’s history, surpassing an astounding 53 million. Not stopping there, he has also set a new benchmark on YouTube Music, becoming the African artist with the most monthly listeners, exceeding 600 million.
These extraordinary achievements are a testament to Burna Boy’s undeniable talent, global appeal, and the ever-growing influence of Afrobeats on the international music scene. He continues to break barriers and inspire millions, proving that music truly knows no boundaries.

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Entertainment

Cardi B Addresses Maduka Okoye Speculation: “I’m Really Hip Hop’s Britney Spears”.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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In the relentless glare of public scrutiny, Grammy-winning artist Cardi B has once again found herself at the center of swirling rumors, this time concerning her burgeoning friendship with Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye. Recent public appearances, including a dinner in Venice, ignited speculation about a potential romance, prompting Cardi B to candidly address the incessant public interest in her personal life.

The rapper, known for her unfiltered honesty, voiced her frustration in a widely circulated video, lamenting the disproportionate attention her activities receive compared to those of her peers. She highlighted a perceived double standard, where ordinary facets of her life become subjects of intense public debate, while similar situations involving other celebrities garner little to no interest.

“No cap, I’m really hip hop’s Britney Spears,” Cardi B declared, drawing a parallel to the pop icon who has famously navigated intense media scrutiny throughout her career. She continued, “I got all the tea on these celebrities. I know who’s with who and what’s doing what. But guess what? Nobody reports about it because nobody cares.”

Her exasperation was palpable as she added, “But when it comes to me, I can’t even do anything without people talking about it. This is crazy. You’ve got to take the good with the bad. It is what it is. People pay for this type of talk.”

Cardi B’s comments arrive amidst a crescendo of speculation surrounding her relationship with Okoye. The pair have been observed together on multiple occasions, notably during Paris Fashion Week and their recent rendezvous in Venice, fueling the ever-present social media buzz. Despite the widespread conjecture, neither Cardi B nor Okoye has publicly confirmed any romantic involvement, leaving the nature of their connection open to continued public interpretation and discussion.

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News

Fabian Ruiz Targets 2026 Ballon d’Or After Incredible Trophy-Laden Season.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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In a sport often dominated by household names, Paris Saint-Germain’s midfield maestro, Fabian Ruiz, has boldly declared his ambition to claim the coveted Ballon d’Or in 2026. The Spain international, fresh off a truly remarkable season, has articulated a desire that resonates with every professional footballer: to be recognized as the world’s best.

Ruiz, at 30 years old, has enjoyed a sensational campaign that has seen him achieve the pinnacle of both club and international football. Lifting the Champions League trophy with PSG and, even more significantly, securing the World Cup with Spain, has propelled him into conversations previously reserved for a select few. His performances throughout these triumphs have been nothing short of exceptional, showcasing a blend of tactical intelligence, technical prowess, and an uncanny ability to dictate the tempo of a game.

The World Cup, in particular, served as a global stage for Ruiz to demonstrate his undeniable talent. As the tournament progressed, his name began to circulate with increasing frequency among pundits and fans alike as a genuine contender for individual accolades. This growing recognition is a testament to his consistent high-level play and his ability to perform under immense pressure.

When questioned about his aspirations, Ruiz’s response, as reported by Marca, was both humble and resolute: “Who wouldn’t want to win a Ballon d’Or? I’m happy with the season I have had, winning the Champions League and the World Cup. If I’m in the running, it will be an honour.” This statement encapsulates the sentiment of a player who appreciates his current successes while simultaneously striving for even greater heights.

Fabian Ruiz’s declaration injects an exciting narrative into the footballing world. As he continues to perform at an elite level, all eyes will be on whether this gifted midfielder can transform his audacious ambition into reality and etch his name into the annals of football history as a Ballon d’Or winner.

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