- He noted that concerns over the effects of unrestricted online access on children are gaining momentum globally
- Falana argued that Nigeria would eventually align with global trends, stressing that regulation is necessary to protect young minds
- At the end of the competition, C.M.S Grammar School emerged winner, receiving a cash prize of ₦300,000
Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has called for tighter regulation of social media usage among young people, advocating restrictions for individuals below the age of 16.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Falana made the call on Saturday in Lagos during the maiden edition of the Dare2Debate competition, an initiative focused on developing critical thinking and public speaking skills among secondary school students.
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He noted that concerns over the effects of unrestricted online access on children are gaining momentum globally, citing examples of countries already enforcing age-based limitations.
Falana argued that Nigeria would eventually align with global trends, stressing that regulation is necessary to protect young minds in an increasingly digital world.
The senior lawyer also dismissed claims that Nigerians are inherently criminal, attributing rising crime rates to poverty, unemployment, and systemic failures rather than character.
According to him, economic hardship has pushed many into acts they would otherwise avoid, while underemployment continues to distort perceptions of opportunity both locally and abroad.
Falana further blamed the country’s educational structure for producing poorly trained artisans, noting that foreign nationals now dominate technical jobs Nigerians often regard as beneath them.
Speaking at the event, Dare2Debate lead organiser Davies Ikpoyi said the initiative was designed to empower students through intellectual engagement rather than confrontation.
At the end of the competition, C.M.S Grammar School emerged the winner, receiving a cash prize of ₦300,000, while Bishop Howells Memorial Grammar School and Arester Divine School came second and third, respectively.
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