Efforts are ramping up to significantly reduce the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria, with a focus on retention, transition, and completion models for school-aged children.
This was highlighted during a regional stakeholder meeting held in Ibadan, organized by the Oyo State Ministry of Education in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The Commissioner for Education in Oyo State, AbdulSoliu Adelabu, lauded UNICEF’s commitment to addressing the issue, emphasizing that the state’s government is fully aligned with these efforts. “No country can develop beyond the level of education it provides.”
Adelabu added: “What we are doing today forms the bedrock of Nigeria’s development. We must invest heavily in our children’s education. My governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has made significant strides in reducing the number of out-of-school children over the past five years.”
Data Don’t lie
Recent data indicates that Nigeria still grapples with over 10 million out-of-school children, a figure that underscores the urgent need for sustained interventions.
However, in Oyo State, initiatives spearheaded by the Makinde administration have successfully reintegrated approximately 20% of out-of-school children back into the classroom since his first term.
As such, a UNICEF education specialist based in Abuja, Azuka Menkiti stressed the importance of addressing not just the out-of-school crisis but also the challenges related to retention and completion.
“It is crucial that we continue to reduce the number of out-of-school children while also tackling retention issues,”
Menkiti added: “UNICEF is dedicated to supporting states in developing models that ensure children not only enroll but also transition smoothly and complete their education.”
The education specialist also listed UNICEF’s decade-long interventions, particularly in girls’ education, which have demonstrated successful, scalable strategies that have brought and kept girls in school. “Our work in education focuses on three core areas: system strengthening, expanding access to education, and supporting states in enhancing quality learning opportunities for children and adolescents. To advocate effectively, we must generate credible evidence, and that’s a key focus in our efforts.”
The meeting in Ibadan, which included commissioners from various states, journalists, and other key stakeholders, placed a responsibility on state governments to develop actionable plans and policies that will support children in staying in school and completing their secondary education.
Stakeholders are now expected to collaborate on solutions that will create more opportunities for children across Nigeria to access and complete their education.
The success of these initiatives will require the collective effort of all involved, ensuring that every child in Nigeria has the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to the nation’s future.
