Proposed Bill Mandates Government Officials' Children Attend Public Schools and Use Public Hospitals
Should a situation arise where public health facilities cannot adequately address an official's health needs or those of their family members, the bill suggests that the official may, at their own expense and with express permission from the Senate, seek treatment in private hospitals within or outside Nigeria.
AKACHI NOEL 
A bill aimed at restricting government officials from enrolling their children in private schools and seeking medical treatment in private hospitals, both domestically and internationally, is set to be presented to the National Assembly for legislative consideration.
The bill, sponsored by Dumebi Kachikwu, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress in the 2023 election, advocates that public officials must utilize the public education system for their children's education from nursery to university levels. Additionally, it proposes that public officers and their families must seek medical treatment exclusively in public health institutions within Nigeria, except in cases where necessary medical services are unavailable locally.
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Should a situation arise where public health facilities cannot adequately address an official's health needs or those of their family members, the bill suggests that the official may, at their own expense and with express permission from the Senate, seek treatment in private hospitals within or outside Nigeria.
Furthermore, the bill prohibits public officers from enrolling or registering their children in any private schools, domestically or internationally, for nursery, primary, secondary, and university education.
The bill also extends its provisions to restrict the use of police escorts or protection by civil and public servants, except in cases where a competent court has determined a credible threat to life, and such protection is limited to specific public officeholders.
Dumebi Kachikwu emphasized the bill's objectives, stating that it seeks to promote patriotism among public officers by encouraging their support for the public education and healthcare systems. Additionally, the bill aims to build confidence in these sectors and preserve foreign exchange earnings by discouraging officials from patronizing private educational and healthcare institutions.
The proposed legislation is expected to be transmitted to the National Assembly for deliberation once the legislative session resumes on April 16, 2024.
