The Education crisis in Nigeria is reaching critical levels, with millions of children out of school both at the primary and junior secondary levels. This issue is especially urgent in Southwestern Nigeria and requires immediate attention. During a 2-day gathering of stakeholders in Ibadan, Oyo State from the Southwestern states in Nigeria, The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Education Specialist, Mr. Babagana Aminu, emphasised the importance of establishing diverse educational systems to accommodate the varying out-of-school populations across different regions in Nigeria. The Oyo State Ministry of Education partnered with UNICEF to coordinate this event.
According to Mr. Aminu, referencing the results of the survey conducted by the NBS, approximately 8% of children between the ages of six and 16 in the six southwestern States of Nigeria are not attending school. However, he pointed out that the most concerning data regarding the Southwestern state goes beyond this statistic. The main concern lies in the retention of students, ensuring that they stay enrolled in school and successfully complete their education at each level. Additionally, the smooth transition of students from junior to senior Secondary School is a key factor to consider. It is concerning to see that only 92% of children complete primary education and 85% finish upper secondary education.
21st-century skills and core literacy are crucial in the modern era.
This indicates many children may not continue to junior secondary school, leaving their future uncertain. He questioned where the children are If they’re not attending school or engaged in Vocational Training or skill-building programs. There is a pressing demand for government and education stakeholders to tackle these challenges head-on, particularly in the areas of 21st-century skills, core literacy, and versatile skills crucial for success in the modern era. Mr. Aminu highlighted that identifying an out-of-school child cannot be based on physical appearance alone, as looks do not determine school attendance.
Education specialist Mrs. Azuka Menkiti from UNICEF Nigeria emphasised the organisation’s awareness of the unique challenges faced by various regions. UNICEF is actively aiding in addressing school retention, transition, and completion in these areas, ultimately reducing the number of out-of-school children. After a decade of successful interventions in girls’ education, she proposed increasing funding for secondary schools to provide students with essential skills for success in life. She highlighted the proven effectiveness of these interventions in bringing girls to school and ensuring they stay enrolled.
Different challenges in the sector will be adequately addressed.
Furthermore, the primary goal of the two-day meeting is to assist states in addressing the factors that contribute to high school dropouts among adolescents. When discussing the issue of those children, it is crucial to consider various situations, such as those who have never attended school, those who are at risk of not enrolling, and those who have already quit school. Therefore, they are looking to address the needs of students who are in danger of leaving school without finishing their secondary education.
At the stakeholders meeting, Prof. Salihu Abdulwaheed, the Commissioner for Education, expressed deep concern over the number of students not attending school. He emphasised the importance of addressing this issue comprehensively, especially with key figures such as Commissioners for Education, State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Chairman, religious leaders, and top civil servants present. He revealed that the majority of out-of-school children in the state were non-indigenous individuals and promised that there would be an increase in data accuracy before the upcoming academic term.
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Dr. Olabimpe Aderiye, the Commissioner for Education in Ekiti, emphasises the unique challenges each state faces when it comes to children who are not in school. Meanwhile, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, the Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology in Ogun State, stated that his government is actively working to resolve issues impacting children indirectly. Mr. Laolu Akindolire, the Ondo State Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, expressed that the state has successfully tackled all issues leading to children discontinuing their education.