Nigeria is grappling with a concerning education crisis, accounting for one out of every five out-of-school children globally and 45% in West Africa, warns Education Minister, Prof Tahir Mamma.
Speaking at the National Campaign on Out-Of-School Children launch in Kwara State, the minister emphasized the urgent need for collective action to address this alarming ranking.
Dr. Olatunji David, representing the minister, emphasized the federal government’s awareness of the risks associated with the out-of-school children issue.
He urged swift action from essential stakeholders, such as civil society organizations, community leaders, and religious figures, to address and curb this concerning trend
“This ranking is disturbing and unacceptable for a country regarded as Africa’s largest economy.
“Stemming the tide of out-of-school children is a task that this government seeks to accomplish. This is because we are mindful of the spiral effects of having a large number of uneducated population.
“One of the implications is that Nigeria will constantly produce miscreants who are ready tools in the hands of criminal gangs,” the minister is quoted to have said by Leadership.
On his part, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq acknowledged the issue and highlights his administration’s efforts to improve public school enrollment through initiatives like e-learning systems and innovative teaching techniques.
The campaign aims to eradicate the menace of out-of-school children, with Kwara State recognized for its commitment to this national program.
