FG reveals project to return 20 million out-of-school children back to school

Concerned about the rising number of out-of-school children in the country, President Bola Tinubu has approved the commencement of the DOTS project to restructure the education system, improve enrollment, and assure the academic security of the nation’s children.

DOTS stands for Data Repository, Out-of-School Children’s Education, Teacher Training and Development, and Skill Development and Acquisition.

Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, Minister of State for Education, made the announcement on Friday in Shabu, a suburb of Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State, while also performing the groundbreaking ceremony for the National Examinations Council offices in Nasarawa, Abia, Sokoto, Taraba, Jigawa, Lagos, and River States.

The minister explained that the DOTS project aimed to address the lack of coordinated, verifiable, and accurate data in all parts of Nigeria’s education sector.

Sununu went on to explain that the new programme will allow the Federal Government to follow students’ progress, providing a clear data-driven mechanism for interventions, particularly for out-of-school children, girls, and those with specific learning disabilities, among others.

He said, “Out-of-school children represents a major thematic area in the eight points agenda of President Bola Tinubu, with priority focus on social welfare, health and education.

“Mr. President is of the believe that the over 20million out-of-school children we have now, represents a group of Nigerians that we have to pay attention to, otherwise miscreants can use them to cause and foment trouble in Nigeria.

“President Tinubu also believes that for Nigeria to develop and continue to take its rightful position in the comity of nations, those group of over 20million citizens must be returned back to school, and ensure that they get proper education and the necessary skills to make them self-efficient and relevant in the society.” the minister added.

While congratulating Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule and the governors of the other six states on their ongoing support for the educational sector, the minister expressed optimism that the seven new NECO offices will enable the examination body to better serve the Nigerian people.

Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, Registrar and Chief Executive of NECO, stated that the momentous achievement demonstrated the Federal Government’s support and dedication under President Bola Tinubu’s visionary leadership.

According to him, the new state offices in Nasarawa, Abia, Sokoto, Taraba, Jigawa, Lagos, and Rivers States, along with other spectacular NECO edifices, would serve as beacons of excellence in exams administration in Nigeria.

Wushishi thanked the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage (rtd), and the Sangarin of Shabu, HRH Mahammood Bwallah II, for their royal support for the project, saying, “This project is a direct outcome of the Federal Government’s commitment to infrastructural development within the education sector and is therefore part of the seven capital projects captured for NECO in this year’s budget appropriation.”

“As we look to the future, we envision a NECO that is not only a leader in the administration of examinations but also a catalyst for education transformation in Nigeria. We are committed to levearging technology and innovation to improve the quality and accessibility of our services.”

Earlier, while receiving dignitaries from the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and other parts of the country, Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Education, Muhammed Bala, reiterated the state government’s commitment to continue to support all Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the federal government including the education sector.