Lagos: Rep. Kayode Akiolu (APC-Lagos) has expressed his willingness to support a bill that seeks to ban the children of public servants from attending private schools, provided the legislation also applies to politicians. Akiolu, who represents the Lagos Island II Constituency in the 10th National Assembly, believes such a bill would ensure all stakeholders invest in the nation's development.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the House of Representatives recently passed the first reading of a bill aiming to prohibit public and civil servants and their immediate families from using private schools and healthcare facilities in Nigeria. The bill was introduced by Godwin Ogah, representing the Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia. Akiolu emphasized the importance of including politicians in this legislation, arguing that this would elevate the quality of education and healthcare in the country. He stressed that if politicians' children also attend public schools and utilize local healthcare services, it would drive improvements due to personal vested interests.
Akiolu highlighted the need to revisit the past when Nigeria was a destination for medical treatment, even attracting the Saudi royal family. He pointed out the decline due to a brain drain that saw Nigerian doctors relocating abroad, particularly to Saudi Arabia, in the 1980s and mid-1990s. Akiolu expressed optimism that with focused efforts, Nigeria could once again become a hub for education and medical services, reducing the reliance on foreign countries for such needs.