Experts have called on parents and teachers to protect children against the use of tobacco and exposure to its harmful effects.

They gave this advice after a one-week programme organised by the Nigeria Tobacco-Free School Initiative (NTFSI) in selected Federal Capital Territory (FCT) secondary schools.

They presented the Nigeria Tobacco-Free School Initiative (NTFSI) in selected Federal Capital Territory (FCT) secondary schools as a vital strategy for tobacco control and prevention in childhood.

Prof Edwin Eseigbe, leader of the paediatric health experts from the Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN), said protecting children from tobacco industry influence is crucial.

Eseigbe expressed gratitude to the schools, FCT Secondary Education Board, and PAN members, assuring them that he would convey their appreciation to PAN’s president, Prof E. Ekure.

The experts emphasised the need for all stakeholders in childcare to take action and protect Nigerian children from the dangers of tobacco use and exposure.

They highlighted the harmful effects of tobacco use and exposure in childhood, including congenital disabilities, brain development issues, sudden infant death syndrome, respiratory tract diseases, and cancer.

They discussed the new strategies used by the tobacco industry to attract children to tobacco use. They stressed the role of relevant stakeholders in safeguarding children from tobacco and related products.

The NTFSI, supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), aims to keep Nigerian schools and school populations tobacco-free.

It focuses on increasing awareness among teachers and students about tobacco’s dangers, developing students’ capacity to reject tobacco, providing tobacco cessation services in schools, and advocating for tobacco prevention among relevant stakeholders.

The team of experts received a warm reception from school staff and students during the presentation at Kabusa Community Secondary School and Government Secondary School Garki.

The vice principals, Mr Polycarp Haziel and Mrs. S. Adetona-Alao, expressed their appreciation for the NTFSI activities and acknowledged the importance of strengthening their schools’ capacity to address tobacco-related issues.