It’s now compulsory for students who want to enroll in public and private primary schools in Ondo state to present their birth certificates before they can be admitted.
The state government said its also mandatory for children under five years to produce their birth certificates in hospitals.
Ayodeji Moradeyo reports that available records show that the current birth registration data in Nigeria, is not commensurate with childbirth rate.
The low level of this important exercise in the country is worrisome, as it affects the nation from carrying out proper planning.
According to the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, 62 per cent of children were born outside health facilities, where their births were not
officially captured.
Ondo State, South-West Nigeria, appears ready to change this narrative. This informed its decision to organise this summit to create awareness on
birth registration.
Some far-reaching decisions were taken at the summit, which include compulsory provision of birth certificate before enrollment at primary
school.
Wife of the State Governor, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu stressed the need for people to embrace the policy.
