The National President of the Student Christian Movement (SCM) of Nigeria, Dr. Adebayo Kolade, on Satuday called on government and society to prioritise the safety and well-being of young people, stressing that the nation cannot achieve progress if children are exposed to unsafe spaces.
Speaking during a press briefing in Bodija, Ibadan, to commemorate the International Day of Education and launch the Students Against Corruption Drive (SACD), Dr. Kolade emphasized that children are often the last hope of families seeking transformation and stability.
“We believe that the safety of our youth is of paramount importance. As long as children are displaced or exposed to unsafe conditions, nothing meaningful can be achieved. Many families invest heavily in their children, hoping they will one day secure the family’s fortune and contribute to society,” he said.
Dr. Kolade warned against exposing students to unsafe environments, noting that the nation has failed many families by neglecting a comprehensive social safety net. “After the nation has lost the hope of families, there is no excuse to further expose children to unsafe spaces. The mission of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) or any other institution should not supersede the safety of our youth,” he added.
He was joined by the National Administrative Secretary, Pastor Paul Enikanselu; Rev. (Dr.) Olaremi Olalekan; and Assistant National Secretary, Miss Akpaa Blessing Ngozi.
Founded in 1940 by Dr. Akanu Ibiam and Pa Theophilus Oluseye Ejuwumi, the SCM of Nigeria is the local expression of the World Student Christian Federation (WSCF), Geneva. Over its 86-year history, the organization has been a key resource for church and society, promoting student leadership, moral discipline, mission work, and advocacy against societal vices.
The SCM currently operates across 39 tertiary institutions, 847 secondary and primary school branches, and 29 township fellowships nationwide. It also maintains a network of alumni support groups, both locally and internationally. The movement is dedicated to equipping youth with spiritual, academic, and life skills to prepare them for leadership and service.
Dr. Kolade highlighted education as a fundamental human right and a powerful tool for societal development. He warned that the rising costs of school enrollment—covering registration fees, uniforms, textbooks, and other charges—continue to marginalize children from low-income households.
“We call on all levels of government to make education truly free, accessible, and compulsory. Denying children the right to education should be treated as an offense against the state. Every child deserves a fair chance to learn, grow, and contribute to the nation,” he said.
The newly launched SACD is an initiative aimed at promoting integrity in the education system, with a particular focus on tackling examination malpractice. Dr. Kolade noted that many students engage in malpractice due to lack of confidence rather than inability.
The program includes the implementation of structured mock examinations to help students identify learning gaps, build competence, and enhance self-confidence. The initiative also seeks to instill moral values and integrity from an early age, preparing students to become responsible and ethical leaders.
“Through SACD, we aim to strengthen the education system, encourage self-belief among students, and nurture integrity across schools nationwide,” he said.
Kolade urged government agencies, examination bodies, schools, teachers, media organisations, and civil society groups to partner with SCM in advancing education and ethical leadership.
“Together, we can empower our youth, uphold integrity, and invest deliberately in shaping leaders of the future,” he said.
