A United Kingdom-based Charity Organisation, IA-Foundation, stated that one out of 5 out-of-school children is in Nigeria.
The Founder, Mrs Ibironke Adeagbo, stated this at the Organisation’s Out-of-school children summit held yesterday in Lagos
Adeagbo quoted UNESCO saying Nigeria has 20.2 million children out-of-school, noting that it is 10 per cent of the country’s population.
The Founder said this menace should be a burning platform and no longer business as usual, adding that together, everyone shall strive to make a difference that will help change the current trajectory.
According to her, one of the reasons we have higher out-of-school children is because we have more children of the elite being out-of-country children.
She explained that those who can make the necessary changes are not bothered, noting that the country currently has a new government that seems to be education-friendly and seems to have the political will.
“One out of 5 out of school children is in Nigeria. Unesco says Nigeria has 20.2m children out of school, which give or take is 10% of our population.
“If this does not keep you awake at night, I wonder what does? This menace should be a burning platform and no longer business as usual.
“Together, we shall strive to make a difference that will help change the current trajectory.
“Ironically, one of the reasons we have higher out-of-school children is because we have more children of the elite being out-of-country children.
“So those that can make the necessary changes are not bothered. However, we now have a new government that seems to be education-friendly and seems to have the political will.” She said.
Meanwhile, She pointed out that the education crisis in Nigeria is one that requires urgent, collective, and concrete action to surmount.
Ibironke said the reality is that the crisis is not just about marginalised ‘out of school’ children but also about children who are in school and not learning due to a lack of resources both at home and at school.
“The education crisis in Nigeria is one that requires urgent, collective, and concrete action to surmount.
“The reality is that the crisis is not just about marginalised ‘out of school’ children, but also about children who are in school and not learning due to lack of resources both at home and at school.” She said.