Nigeria's Senate President, Godswill Obot Akpabio, on Tuesday snubbed children from three Abuja schools who had gathered at the National Assembly to celebrate International Children's Day with him.

The children, who came from Our Lady of Fatima Sisters Academy in Jabi, Catherina International Academy in Dawaki, and Lead British International School in Gwarimpa, had waited for approximately three hours to meet with the Senate President as part of the annual Children's Day observance at parliament.

According to tradition, selected schools bring students to the National Assembly each year for Children's Day celebrations, where the Senate President typically addresses them with words of encouragement and information about government initiatives supporting Nigerian children.

However, witnesses reported that Akpabio walked past the waiting children without acknowledgment, disappointing both the students and their teachers who had coordinated with parliament officials for the event.

A female teacher, who requested anonymity, expressed her disappointment to reporters, stating that the incident could demoralize the children, many of whom were unable to identify Akpabio among his entourage of aides.

"We have spent three hours with the Sergeant-At-Arms coordinating us, but we are disappointed that the Senate President didn't address us," she said. "Many children didn't know him, except on television, and you journalists also know that being here is also part of an excursion that will further enlighten the children."

The teacher further noted that this departure from tradition was unusual, as previous Senate Presidents had typically taken time to address the children and offer them assurances about their future.

The incident occurred in full view of journalists present at the National Assembly. Senate officials have not yet issued any statement regarding the Senate President's actions or the missed opportunity to engage with the children on their special day.