Our children are not alcoholics, Somefun,PTA leader, tells NAFDAC

Nigeria's education system faces renewed scrutiny following allegations that students in basic schools are consuming sachet alcohol—a development that has triggered both defensive responses from education stakeholders and broader questions about regulatory oversight in Africa's largest economy. The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Nigeria's primary regulatory body for pharmaceuticals and food products, recently flagged concerns about alcohol consumption among school-aged children, citing evidence of sachet alcohol use in educational institutions. The allegation prompted swift pushback from parent-teacher associations and education administrators, who argue that such characterizations overstate isolated incidents and misrepresent the broader educational landscape. **Understanding the Context** Nigeria's education sector has long grappled with infrastructure deficiencies, teacher shortages, and inconsistent quality standards—challenges that disproportionately affect basic education. With approximately 13.2 million out-of-school children (according to UNICEF data), the country's 38 million primary school students operate within a fragmented system combining public and private institutions with varying standards of supervision and welfare provisions. Sachet alcohol—pre-packaged spirits sold in small pouches at minimal cost—represents a significant public health concern across West Africa. These products, often poorly regulated and sometimes contaminated, have become increasingly accessible to younger demographics due to their affordability and ease of distribution. The