On Tuesday, Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Obot Akpabio, failed to acknowledge a group of schoolchildren who had gathered at the National Assembly in Abuja to celebrate Children’s Day, leaving many disheartened.

Traditionally, schoolchildren from select schools are invited to the National Assembly for Children’s Day, where the Senate President typically delivers a speech of encouragement and shares the government’s plans for Nigerian children. However, this year, Akpabio walked past the students without offering any greeting or remarks, despite the presence of journalists.

The children, who came from Our Lady of Fatima Sisters Academy (Jabi), Catherina International Academy (Dawaki), and Lead British International School (Gwarimpa), were visibly disappointed by the snub.

A teacher who spoke on condition of anonymity expressed her frustration, noting that the children had waited for over three hours for the Senate President’s arrival. She said the students were left confused, unable to even recognize Akpabio among his entourage.

“This was supposed to be an uplifting moment for the children,” the teacher said. “But after all that time waiting and being coordinated by the Sergeant-at-Arms, the Senate President just passed by without acknowledging them.”

She pointed out that past Senate Presidents had made it a point to engage with the children and offer words of hope for their future.

“For many of these students, this is part of an educational experience—an excursion to learn more about governance. It’s disappointing they didn’t get to hear from him in person, especially since they only know him from television,” she added.