Incidences of Child Labour among Secondary School Students in Abia, State Nigeria

Nigerians have always worked hard to protect their children’s interests as well as their rights to good and functional lives. The people’s practice of celebrating the birth of a child dates from the pre-literate era.. The... [ view full abstract ]

Nigerians have always worked hard to protect their children’s interests as well as their rights to good and functional lives. The people’s practice of celebrating the birth of a child dates from the pre-literate era.. The arrival of a new born child into the family was seen as a good omen, a sign of peace and wealth and the climax of blessings from the gods. The child was thus adored, cherished and handled with great care. However certain harmful practices have placed the country on the list of those being criticized for physical abuse, emotional abuse and neglect of the child. Studies reveal that many children are still engaged in street hawking, road side trading and begging in the urban centres. Children from the rural areas are still being compelled by parents and guidance to work in their local farms, palm oil and palm kernel processing activities which among others ills allows the children little or no time for adequate education. This paper therefore attempts a survey of the current incidences of child labour among the secondary school students with the aim of ascertaining the extent of child labour incidences in Abia state, Nigeria in particular considering the increased level pf sensitization activities and remediating measures currently being taken by the state ministry of Women Affairs and other related and concerned agencies.

Key Words: Child labour, Child,s rights, rural child, urban child