United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) has lamented that despite the importance of education, at least, over 10 million school-aged children in Nigeria are out-of-school a development that has become a major challenge to all.
The assertion was made by the Chief of Bauchi Field Office of UNICEF, Dr Tushar Rane in an opening remarks at the Media Dialogue on Out-of-School Children in Bauchi State held at Chartwell Hotel Misau.
He stressed that “Education is a fundamental right that empowers children to reach their full potentials, it is deeply concerning that, due to varying factors, a significant number of children in Bauchi state are unable to access this fundamental right, robbing them of their dreams and aspirations.”
Rane added that “Education plays a vital role in the development of any country. Quality education, especially at a basic level, is integral to socio-economic development; no nation can rise above its educational level.”
He, however, said, “At UNICEF, we are committed to improving the lives of children and women in Nigeria, especially in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); and the Education for All (EFA) goals of educating all children at all levels and in all groups.”
The UNICEF Chief of Field Office further said that “We work with the government to enhance planning for improved delivery of education. We also support the government to remove systemic barriers that impede children’s access to quality education.”
According to him, “Our work with the government is further enhanced through collaboration with traditional leaders, Civil Society Organizations, faith-based organizations, communities, and other development partners to find solutions that will result in getting the out-of-school children back to school.”
He then explained that the media dialogue will be a platform for open and constructive discussions on the root causes of the issue of out-of-school children, the challenges hindering school-aged children’s access to education, and most importantly, the potential solutions that we can collectively work towards in Bauchi state.
“My media colleagues, you are the drivers of social discourse! I encourage us to let the discussions from this media dialogue motivate us, amplify the voices of out-of-school children, advocate for change, and to reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind.
“In this year’s enrollment drive campaign, we will be engaging traditional/religious stakeholders, school-based management committees and youths to ensure effective awareness and mobilization of parents, guardians and communities, on the importance of enrolling all school-age children in schools. The media must also be on board.
“We all have roles to play in ensuring children of school age in Bauchi state are enrolled into school at the right age. By working hand in hand, we can pave the way for a brighter and more inclusive future for children in Bauchi and beyond.
“I welcome all of you here today, as we gather to brainstorm on one of the most critical challenges facing our dear state, Bauchi – the issue of school-age children who are not in school. I appreciate the government of Bauchi State for the partnership with UNICEF to improve the education outcomes in the state,” he added.
He concluded by saying, “I commend all of you for your support to the cause of advancing child rights concerns in Nigeria and I reiterate our commitment to strengthening the partnership with you to ensure that all school-age children in Nigeria, including those in Bauchi State, fulfil their right to quality education.”
The State Ministry of Education in its submission by the Director of Admin and Human Resources, Yakubu Ahmed agreed that the issue of out-of-school children is a menace that needs different approaches to tackle.
He stressed that the approaches must be evolved based on the specific needs of each area stressing that the problems cannot be the same the more reason that critical study must be made to know the needs of the area.
Ahmed assured that the Ministry of Education will continue to collaborate with UNICEF and other relevant agencies in the educational sector on how to effectively tackle the menace of out-of-school children in the state.
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