In an era where discussions around national development often centre on economic policies, infrastructure, and governance, parenting coach, Mr. Akinropo Akinola, brings a different perspective to the table.

He said: “Much of Nigeria and Africa’s problems have their roots in the home. Until we address these foundational issues, we may not see the much-desired change we crave as a nation.”

For the past seven years, Akinola has dedicated his career to helping parents navigate the complex landscape of child-rearing. Through his parenting consulting firm: Parenmark, he has worked with global organisations such as Rotary International and a few others, sharing insights on how effective parenting can shape responsible, emotionally intelligent, and self-sufficient citizens. His widely read newspaper column has served as an essential resource for parents across Nigeria and beyond, providing practical solutions for raising well-rounded children.

However, while individual efforts and advocacy are making a difference, Akinola insisted that sustainable transformation can only occur when policymakers take parenting issues as seriously as they do other aspects of governance. “If we want to curb crime, corruption, and moral decadence, we must start from the very core—the family unit,” he says emphatically. “It is the first institution where values are formed, yet it is the most neglected when it comes to policy interventions.”

The Need for Government-Backed Parenting Policies

Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges—ranging from youth unemployment and drug abuse to insecurity and a decline in moral values—have often been attributed to systemic failures in governance. However, Akinola argues that while these are valid concerns, the root causes often stem from ineffective parenting. “How many of our young people today were taught emotional intelligence, resilience, and moral uprightness at home? We blame society for raising broken individuals, but we fail to see that these individuals were once children in homes where parents struggled, due to lack of guidance and support,” he states.

To address this, he called on stakeholders, particularly those in government, the National Assembly, and local authorities, to develop policies that will directly impact parenting in Nigeria. “We need structured parenting education programmes that will equip parents with the skills necessary to raise children who will contribute positively to society. Parenting is not just about providing food and shelter—it is about shaping the minds of future leaders.”

The Role of the National Assembly and Other Government Agencies

One of Akinola’s major recommendations is for the National Assembly to enact legislation that promotes and institutionalises parenting education. “It should be mandatory for expectant and new parents to undergo structured parenting classes before obtaining birth certificates for their children,” he said. “If we can mandate vehicle registration and driver’s licenses to ensure safe driving, why can’t we have something similar for parenting? Raising a child is a much bigger responsibility than driving a car.”

He also called for the inclusion of parenting education in Nigeria’s educational curriculum. “We need to start teaching parenting principles at secondary and tertiary education levels. Many young adults enter into parenthood without a clue on how to raise a child. This is why we have generational cycles of broken homes and dysfunctional families.”

Beyond legislative measures, Akinola urged state and local governments to establish Parenting Resource Centres where parents can access training, counseling, and support services. “Imagine a Nigeria where every local government has a center dedicated to guiding parents on child development, mental health, and emotional intelligence. The long-term impact would be phenomenal.”

The Private Sector and Religious Institutions as Catalysts for Change

While the government plays a crucial role in shaping policies, Akinola believes that religious institutions and the private sector must also contribute significantly to parenting reforms. “Churches, mosques, and other faith-based organisations should take parenting education more seriously. Many of them already conduct pre-marital counseling—why not extend this to post-marital and parenting counseling?”

He further suggested that corporations integrate parenting workshops into their employee welfare programmes. “Workplaces should recognise that employees who are good parents create better societies. When companies invest in parenting programmes, they are indirectly shaping a more responsible future workforce.”

Bridging the Socioeconomic Gaps in Parenting

Akinola is also deeply concerned about the impact of economic hardship on effective parenting. “Many parents in Nigeria are struggling to provide for their families, making it difficult for them to focus on the emotional and psychological needs of their children. We need policies that not only address parenting education but also support parents financially, especially those in low-income brackets.”

He suggested that government-backed parenting grants, tax incentives for parents who enroll in certified parenting programmes, and increased funding for child welfare programmes. “If we invest in parents, we invest in the future of this country,” he stated.

The Urgent Call to Action

As Nigeria continues to grapple with rising insecurity, corruption, and moral decline, Akinola pointed out that the time for action is now. “Parenting is not just a private matter—it is a national concern. When we fail at parenting, the nation suffers. The government must recognise this and put structures in place to support parents at every level.”

He urged lawmakers, policymakers, religious leaders, and corporate stakeholders to come together and champion the cause of effective parenting. “If we do not act now, we will continue to produce generations of children who struggle with emotional stability, ethical values, and resilience—traits that are essential for national development.”

Akinola remains optimistic that with the right policies and commitment from all stakeholders, Nigeria can build a future where parenting is seen not just as a responsibility but as a national priority. “A strong nation is built on strong families, and strong families begin with empowered parents,” he concluded

As the conversation with Akinola draws to a close, one thing becomes evident—Nigeria’s journey to true transformation must begin in the home. And unless decisive actions are taken today, the cycle of dysfunction and underdevelopment will persist for generations to come.