The issue of Out-of-School Children in Nigeria has become heartbreaking, thereby, needing serious attention. According to a report by the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) in 2023, one in three children in Nigeria is out of school, totalling 10.2 million at the primary level and 8.1 million at the junior secondary school (JSS) level.
Giving the above, it is imperative that Government at all levels be reminded of the need to invest hugely in education as well as employ every available means to ensure that free education when provided especially at primary and secondary school levels, will be appreciated by parents/guardians which will make them send their wards to school.
Care should be taken in finding out those State Governors who invested little in education even when they know its importance and what an educated society stands to gain. A state like Abia where the Government invested 20% of the entire 2024 budget, should be commended. Other states also should ensure that education takes huge chunk of the budget going forward.
It has been established over the years that education is a necessary weapon to defeat hunger among others. Nigeria, cannot afford to be having Out-of-School Children increase on daily basis and roam the streets of major cities and states in the country, yet we talk about banditry, kidnapping and other vices inimical to the growth of the country.
Nigeria has come of age, and it is high time people started taking responsibility. The Federal and State Government must begin to take responsibility for the increasing number of Out-of-School Children. It is the right of every Nigeria Child to acquire sound and qualitative education.
Viewing Education as a tool that has transformed individuals in nations, state and communities, it is heartwarming to see someone like the Legal Luminary Femi Falana (SAN) make such initiative.
While I commend him for his intuitive spirit and sagacity in this regard, I pray that this move which he has initiated will be pursued with vigour till those at the helm of affairs in the country realise how much they have erred in stemming the tide of Out-of-School Children in the country.
Izuchukwu Nwokoma is a Public Affairs Analyst and Journalist