The Plight of Schoolchildren in Niger State: A Staggering Dilemma

Despite the prohibition on illegal gold mining in Niger state, schoolchildren persist in sacrificing their education to toil in the perilous gold mines. This report sheds light on the distressing reality faced by these children and their families as they grapple with the harsh circumstances.

In various neighbourhoods of the bustling city of Minna, underage children are immersed in the hazardous activity of extracting gold, forsaking their education for the sake of survival. For example, Amina, a junior student, has been absent from classes to work in the mines and support her struggling parents, earning anywhere from N5,000 to N7,000 daily.

Last year, Isah Adamu, the then chairman of the state universal basic education board, disclosed the alarming number of over 700,000 out-of-school children in Niger state, ranking 9th in the out-of-school children index in Nigeria. These figures are a sombre reminder of the harsh realities that many children face in the state.

Despite the ban on mining, children like Sadiq, a 16-year-old high school student, have turned to illegal mining to secure income for their families. Sadiq’s irregular school attendance and prolonged hours at the mining site underscore the challenges faced by these young miners.

Furthermore, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has highlighted that approximately 160 million children are engaged in child labour worldwide, attributing this to factors such as poverty, ignorance, and weak institutional frameworks.

The increase in illegal mining activities among schoolchildren in the Maitumbi area can be attributed to the overwhelming poverty and hardship faced by their parents. Many parents, desperate for income, are incentivising their children to work in the mines to sustain the family. The situation is exacerbated by the lack of education and awareness about the potential dangers of illegal mining.

Moreover, the issue of underage mining has incited conflicts and unrest among youths in various areas, hindering children from attending school and causing damage to farmlands.

Despite the challenges, there have been concerted efforts to address the issue. UBE Primary School in Kafintela and Day Secondary School in Maitumbi have seen a reduction in absenteeism due to joint efforts between staff and parents to combat the impact of illegal mining.

The state government has also been taking steps to address the issue, with the Ministry of Mineral Resources working with the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN) to tackle illegal mining head-on. The ban on mining in the state capital is still active, and a task force will be formed to ensure compliance with government directives.

In conclusion, the plight of schoolchildren in Niger state is a complex and pressing issue that requires urgent attention. While the state government and local communities are taking steps to address the challenges, a collective effort is needed to provide a brighter future for the vulnerable children caught in the cycle of illegal mining.