President Bola Tinubu has expressed his administration’s dedication to addressing the issue of out-of-school children in Nigeria.
Gatekeepers News reports that this commitment was highlighted during a dialogue with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palais des Élysées, as reported by Bayo Onanuga, the presidential spokesperson.
According to a report from September 2022 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), Nigeria has approximately 20 million children who are not enrolled in school.
In contrast, a more recent report published by the World Bank on June 24 indicates that the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria is around 11 million, based on the findings of the national education data survey conducted in 2020.
“In order to bridge the gap for some who are of age and have been out of school for a while, we will encourage skills development,” the statement quoted the president to have said.
“The insecurity in some parts of the country makes it hard for children to return to school, but we are gradually repopulating the classrooms. And we need skills development to bridge the gaps.”
Tinubu noted that the “kinetic” strategies adopted have recorded progress in the peace-building process nationally.
“With some more effort, we will be able to get some level of stability. We had a very good harvest this year. And as soon as more farmers can go back to the farm, we will have more stability in harvest and supply,” he said.
In response, Macron acknowledged Nigeria’s vast growth potential and the importance of investing in educational initiatives.
He reflected on his formative experiences during a six-month internship at the French embassy in Nigeria, including visits to Lagos and Kano.
