Oxford University workshop addresses parenting challenges in Nigeria
[Disclaimer: Originally published by The Premium Times]
The University of Oxford, in collaboration with Nigerian agencies, convened a workshop in Abuja aimed at enhancing parenting support interventions in Nigeria. The initiative is part of a project funded by the Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children (GPEVAC) through the Government of Japan.
The workshop, facilitated by the Gender Adolescent School Health and Elderly Care (GASHE) division of the Family Health Department of the Federal Ministry of Health, focused on improving national infrastructure to provide evidence-based parenting programs. The goal is to prevent violence against children, aligning with Nigeria's efforts as one of the pathfinding countries under the project.
Dr. Isang Awah
Key challenges such as absentee parenting and the influence of foreign media on children's development were discussed. Isang Awah joined this conversation representing Parenting for Lifelong Health and the Global Parenting Initiative at the University of Oxford, leading the project team in delivering an intense presentation on the urgent need for responsive parenting interventions in Nigeria. “I am here to advocate for support for all parents and caregivers. That is our mission at Parenting for Lifelong Health and the Global Parenting Initiative at the Department of Social Policy and Intervention at the University of Oxford,” she said.
Plans for collaboration between the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to regulate television content were outlined. Efforts to promote locally produced cartoons reflective of Nigerian culture and values were emphasised.
The workshop underscored the importance of collaborative efforts between academic institutions, government agencies, and NGOs to address parenting challenges in Nigeria.
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