By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, on Wednesday launched a passionate campaign for healthier lifestyles among Nigerian children, declaring that the nation’s future depends on a generation that embraces vaccination, proper nutrition, personal hygiene and mental well-being.

Speaking at the maiden edition of the Kid’s Dialogue Series in Abuja, Alausa urged students to take responsibility for their health, describing it as the bedrock of learning, productivity and future leadership.

The event, organised by the Federal Ministry of Education in partnership with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency ,NPHCDA, and the Centre for Well-being and Integrated Nutritious Solutions (C-WINS), brought together students from schools across the Federal Capital Territory under the theme: “Empowering Young Voices to Shape Health, Learning and Well-being in Nigeria.”

Addressing the students at Government Science Secondary School, Pyakasa, Abuja, the minister stressed that no nation can build a prosperous future without healthy children.

“If you don’t have health, you don’t have a life. You are the future of this nation and we have to start right by keeping you healthy. The most important person in keeping you healthy is you,” Alausa told the students.

In a strong endorsement of immunisation, the minister described vaccines as one of humanity’s most powerful weapons against deadly diseases, urging students to ensure they are fully vaccinated.

“You should ask your parents and teachers, ‘Am I up to date with my vaccination?’” he said.

Alausa noted that scientific advancements had made vaccines highly effective in preventing diseases such as measles, polio and HPV-related cancers, emphasizing that immunisation remains critical to safeguarding children’s lives and securing the country’s future.

He also paid tribute to parents and teachers, whom he described as indispensable partners in nurturing the next generation of leaders.

The Executive Director of NPHCDA, Dr. Muyi Aina, echoed the minister’s message, challenging students to become ambassadors of healthy living in their schools and communities.

“As you learn, it is important that you also practise healthy behaviours, get your vaccinations, maintain good hygiene and eat nutritious food,” Aina said.

According to him, the dialogue was designed to expose children early to conversations about health, wellness and responsible decision-making.

“We need to catch them young and set them on the path of health. For you to become healthy, productive adults, you need both education and good health,” he added.

The interactive session provided students with a rare opportunity to directly engage top government officials on issues affecting their well-being.

One student, David Johnson of Junior Secondary School, Tudun Wada, asked whether people suffering from trauma and depression could fully recover, while another, Adewumi Temiloluwa, sought advice on what children should do when parents refuse to allow them receive vaccinations.

Responding, Alausa reassured the students that recovery from emotional and psychological challenges is possible through open communication and professional support.

He encouraged children facing mental health difficulties to speak with trusted adults and seek help from trained professionals when necessary.

On vaccination, the minister said parents should support immunisation efforts, but advised children to respectfully explain the benefits of vaccines and seek guidance from teachers where needed.

The event underscored growing efforts by the Federal Government to integrate health awareness into education.