Hon. Amobi Ogah, representing Isuikwuato Umunneochi Federal Constituency in Abia State, has introduced a bold bill at the House of Representatives aimed at prohibiting public and civil servants from enrolling their children in private schools or seeking care in private hospitals.
Presented during Tuesday’s plenary, the bill seeks to promote accountability and restore public confidence in Nigeria’s educational and healthcare institutions. Ogah stated that government officials must rely on the systems they oversee, rather than bypassing them for private alternatives.
“This bill marks a pivotal moment for our nation,” he said. “Public servants must stop avoiding public systems. It’s time to fix what serves the majority.”
Ogah cited Nigeria’s early leaders — including Sir Ahmadu Bello, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and Sir Tafawa Balewa — who thrived through public or mission schools and still steered the country with purpose and integrity.
He criticized the increasing trend of officials favoring private schools and foreign healthcare, arguing it has contributed significantly to the decline of public services and created deep inequality.
According to Ogah, over $29 billion was spent on overseas medical treatments during President Buhari’s administration. In 2023 alone, Nigerians spent $218.87 million on education abroad, with another $38.17 million already recorded in early 2024 — despite a N1.34 trillion allocation to the health sector in the 2024 budget.
Ogah emphasized that if the government could eliminate fuel subsidies, it should also have the resolve to improve public education and healthcare. He warned that neglecting these services erodes trust and stunts national progress.
Labeling the bill as more than legislation — a call to national action — Ogah urged the public, civil society organizations, and the media to rally behind it. He also kicked off an awareness campaign using hashtags like #PromoteOurSchoolsAndHealthcareServices and #PrivateInstitutionsAndHealthcareServicesProhibitionBill2025.
“I urge every Nigerian who dreams of a better future to support this bill,” he said. “Let’s rebuild our public institutions and restore hope in our nation.”