FG Develops New Strategies to Lower Out-of-School Children Rate

The Federal Government has announced plans to strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders to create effective strategies aimed at decreasing the rising population of out-of-school children.

To accomplish this goal, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has instructed all parties involved in the basic education sector to focus on bringing children back into classrooms.

The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, made this known yesterday in Abuja during a three-day conference with executive chairmen from the State Universal Basic Education Boards (“SUBEBs”) representing the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (“FCT”).

The event, themed “Strengthening Collaboration for Quality Basic Education Delivery in Nigeria,” was organized by the Universal Basic Education Commission (“UBEC”).

Alausa reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s dedication to revitalizing the education sector as a means of fostering national growth.

He restated the government’s commitment to improving the provision of quality basic education across Nigeria.

Represented by his Senior Special Assistant (“SSA”), Dr. Ismaila Adiatu, the minister highlighted the administration’s determination to tackle the increasing issue of out-of-school children.

He stated: “I would like to assure you of the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting quality education to inspire ‘Renewed Hope,’ with strong emphasis on prioritising qualitative basic education, which is recognised as the most vital segment of the education sector.”

He continued: “The development of this foundational level is essential for the positive impact of the other tiers of the educational system and its contribution to overall national development.”

“The Federal Ministry of Education is, therefore, committed to improving teacher quality, enhancing the school environment, ensuring the availability of adequate instructional materials, and implementing an effective quality assurance evaluation system,” he added.

“We are also focused on strengthening collaboration with all relevant stakeholders to develop result-oriented strategies aimed at reducing the growing number of out-of-school children,” he emphasized.

Alausa revealed that the government has established a committee to define the process of categorizing schools in Nigeria, ensuring urgent interventions target the most critical areas.

He said: “These efforts are designed to prepare Nigerian youths for the 21st-century economy, in line with Mr. President’s initiative of ‘Education for Renewed Hope.'”

The minister encouraged participants to reassess current approaches, consider innovative methods in basic education implementation, explore alternative funding sources, and enhance cooperation to guarantee that every Nigerian child gains access to quality education.

UBEC’s Executive Secretary, Aisha Garba, noted that the conference underscored their shared dedication to providing every child in Nigeria with quality basic education, regardless of the type of education program.

She remarked: “We must prioritise our society-based education by ensuring effective collaboration at national and state levels within the education sector and beyond.”

“This workshop provides us with a unique opportunity to collectively evaluate our progress so far, identify challenges, and chart a new pathway towards achieving our shared goal of an effective basic education system in Nigeria,” she stated.

Speaking on behalf of the “SUBEB” chairmen, Prof. Adaramaja Shehu expressed optimism that the meeting would yield strategies to improve school effectiveness while adhering to best practices to enhance learning outcomes.

He urged his fellow chairmen to commit to eliminating the issue of out-of-school children across all regions of the country.