Tinubu mandates return of out-of-school children to classes
By Uji A. Iliyasu
Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has directed all stakeholders in the basic education sub-sector to work towards returning out-of-school children to classes to decrease their ranks.
Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Olatunji Alausa, disclosed this at a three-day meeting of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) management with executive chairmen of State Universal Basic Education Boards from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja on Monday.
Alausa, who expressed the determination of the Tinubu administration to transform education in the country, reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government towards enhancing the delivery of quality basic education across the country.
The meeting was organised under the theme “Strengthening Collaboration for Quality Basic Education Delivery in Nigeria.”
The minister, who was represented by his Senior Special Assistant (SSA), Dr Ismaila Adiatu, emphasised the government’s dedication to addressing the growing crisis of out-of-school children in Nigeria.
“I would like to assure you of the federal government’s commitment to promoting quality education to inspire renewed hope, with a strong emphasis on prioritising qualitative basic education, which is recognised as the most vital segment of the education sector.
“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.
“We are also focused on strengthening collaboration with all relevant stakeholders to develop result-orientated strategies aimed at reducing the growing number of out-of-school children,” the minister added.
He said a committee had been set up to outline the process for categorising schools in Nigeria to identify areas where urgent interventions are needed.
“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.’”
He further called on participants to re-evaluate existing strategies and identify innovative approaches to implementing basic education, including exploring alternative funding sources and fostering collaboration to ensure that every Nigerian child receives quality education.
Speaking on behalf of the chairmen, the Dean of SUBEB chairmen in Nigeria, Prof. Adaramaja Shehu, congratulated the Executive Secretary on her appointment while appreciating the commitment of her management team for their expected support in the discharge of their responsibilities.
He thanked the Executive Secretary for the approval of the 2023/2024 teachers’ development fund in their state, saying that capacity building for teachers across the states would soon kick-off.
He expressed confidence that the meeting would strategize on improving the effectiveness of schools and uphold best practices to boost learning outcomes, urging the chairmen to join hands in eradicating the the scourge of out-of-school children in the country.