President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given the green light to launch the DOTS project in response to the growing number of children not attending school in the country. This initiative aims to revamp the Education system in the nation, boost student enrolment, and safeguard the academic future of the youth of the nation. According to a report, the acronym DOTS stands for Data Repository, Education for Out-of-School Children, Training and Development for Teachers, and Acquisition of Skills.
Dr. Yusuf Sununu, the Minister of State for Education, announced on July 5, 2024, in Shabu, a suburb of Lafia, that the National Examinations Council offices of Nasarawa, Abia, Sokoto, Taraba, Jigawa, Lagos, and River States will be constructed with a ground-breaking foundation laying ceremony. The DOTS project, according to the minister of State for Education, aimed to address the lack of organized, reliable, and genuine information across all areas of the education sector in Nigeria.
Social welfare, health, & edu were highlighted as key areas of focus.
Sununu elaborated on how the new initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria will provide a comprehensive method for monitoring student progress through data analysis. This will allow for targeted interventions for various groups, such as out-of-school children, girls, and individuals with specific learning disabilities. His emphasis was on the importance of addressing the issue of out-of-school children in President Bola Tinubu’s agenda. Social welfare, health, and education were highlighted as key areas of focus.
The President believes that the population of over 20 million out-of-school children in Nigeria is a critical group that requires attention. Neglecting these children could potentially allow troublemakers to exploit them and stir up unrest in the country. President Tinubu expressed his belief that in order for Nigeria to progress and maintain its place in the world community, it is imperative that the group of more than 20 million citizens is encouraged to re-enroll in school. He emphasized the importance of providing them with quality education and essential skills to empower them to be self-sufficient and valuable members of society, the minister concluded.
Establishment of seven new NECO offices will enhance the body’s ability.
Furthermore, the minister praised Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State and the other six governors for their ongoing commitment to education. He believes that the establishment of seven new National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NECO) offices will enhance the examination body’s ability to provide improved services to the people of Nigeria. The Registrar and Chief Executive of NECO, Prof. Ibrahim Wushishi, emphasized that the significant accomplishment was evidence of the Federal Government’s dedication and backing, led by President Bola Tinubu, who he described as a visionary leader.
He believes that the newly constructed state offices in Nasarawa, Abia, Sokoto, Taraba, Jigawa, Lagos, and Rivers States will stand as symbols of quality in overseeing examinations throughout Nigeria, complementing NECO’s other impressive buildings. Wushishi thanked Justice Sidi Bage (rtd) and HRH Mahammood Bwallah II for their royal support towards the project during a meeting with the Emir of Lafia. He highlighted that the project aligns with the Federal Government’s focus on infrastructural development in education, one of seven capital projects allocated for NECO in this year’s budget.
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In their vision for the future, they see NECO becoming more than just a top examination provider in Nigeria – they see it as a driving force for transforming education. By prioritizing Technology and innovation, they are dedicated to enhancing the quality and availability of their services. During a recent visit from dignitaries hailing from Abuja and various regions across the country, the Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, emphasized the state’s dedication to providing ongoing assistance to all federal government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, with a special focus on the education sector. The governor’s message was delivered by Muhammed Bala, the Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Education.