The Nigerian Senate has issued a stark warning regarding the escalating threat posed by the prevalence of out-of-school children in the country, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive, cross-sectoral interventions to combat this pressing issue.
Highlighting the tangible dangers associated with the increasing number of out-of-school children, including instances of banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, murder, and other forms of violent crimes, the Upper Chamber stressed the severity of the situation.
This concern was voiced during a deliberation on a motion titled “Compelling Need to Tackle the Challenge of Out-of-School Children in Nigeria,” sponsored by Sen. Adebule Idiat Oluranti representing Lagos West.
Sen. Adebule referenced a troubling 2022 report by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), which revealed that approximately 20 million Nigerian children are out of school. This figure represents 10 percent of Nigeria’s estimated population of 200 million and constitutes the highest number of out-of-school children globally.
During the debate, Sen. Adams Oshiomhole, the former Governor of Edo State, criticized state governors who claimed inability to afford the 50% counterpart fund required to access the Universal Basic Education (UBE) program.
Other senators echoed the call for urgent government action at all levels to address this alarming trend, emphasizing the critical role of education in societal development.
In his closing remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio underscored the pivotal role of education in nation-building, urging governments at all levels to ensure that every school-age child has access to education in Nigeria.
Furthermore, the Senate passed a resolution urging the judiciary in the 36 states of the Federation to establish mobile courts for the enforcement of the UBE Act, signaling a concerted effort to address the out-of-school children crisis
