Parents must prioritise children’s education, NAS urges

Nkereuwem Effiong

Parents have been urged to prioritise their children’s education despite the country’s economic challenges, with the National Association of Seadogs (NAS), Atlantic Shores Deck, Eket Chapter, stressing that education remains one of the most valuable investments a family can make.

The association’s President, Mr Mfon Etukudo, made the call in Eket, Akwa Ibom State, while addressing members of the Market Union and Market Management Committee as part of activities marking the 2026 International Literacy Day (ILD).

Etukudo said education was a legacy parents could leave for their children, describing it as an investment that could equip them to become responsible, independent and productive members of society.

“We are here to speak about something that is perhaps the most important investment any parent can make, the education of our children,” he said.

He urged parents not to allow economic hardship to deprive their children of schooling, warning that the consequences of denying children education could be more costly in the future.

“Parents, please send your children to school. Do not allow the difficulties of today to determine the future of your children,” Etukudo said.

According to him, parents who struggle to provide education for their children may eventually spend more trying to address challenges that education could have helped prevent.

He explained that education went beyond obtaining certificates, noting that it enabled children to read, write, calculate, communicate effectively, reason critically and make informed decisions.

“An educated child can understand contracts, receipts, agreements, medical instructions, government policies and business opportunities,” he said.

Etukudo also cautioned that children denied access to education could face limited opportunities and fewer choices later in life.

He therefore called on the market union and management committee to adopt practical measures that would encourage members to keep their children in school and discourage them from engaging in trading during school hours.

In her response, the President of the Udua Offing Etok Market Union, Mrs Nse Monday, pledged to discourage parents from allowing their children to trade in the market when they should be in school.

Monday thanked the association for the sensitisation programme, saying it had reinforced the importance of investing in children’s education.

The event also featured the presentation of 30 packets of exercise books and five packets of biros to children of market leaders in Eket.

International Literacy Day is observed annually on September 8. The theme for the 2026 celebration is “Educate a Child Today, Empower a Family Tomorrow.”