Nigerian Court Orders Free Education, Bans School Fees for Children

The Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the Nigerian government and all 36 states to guarantee free and compulsory basic education for all children, prohibiting the payment of school fees. The ruling, delivered by Justice D.E.

Osiagor on October 9, 2025, followed a case brought by Femi Falana and Hauwa Mustapha on behalf of ASCAB, seeking the enforcement of children's rights under the Universal Basic Education Act of 2004. The court emphasized that the government's failure to provide free basic education as mandated by law violates children's rights.

The judgment aims to address issues of educational access and funding across the country.