The federal government has described as unacceptable the rising number of out-of-school children in the country.
Adamu Adamu, Minister of Education, spoke on Thursday at the ongoing 65th National Council on Education (NCE) meeting in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, with the theme: ‘Eradicating out-of-school children phenomenon: A tool for the achievement of education 2030 agenda.’
Adamu lamented that the situation has become more worrisome going by a United Nations Children Education Fund (UNICEF) survey, which reports that Nigeria ranks top among countries with out-of-school children.
The minister, who was represented by Chukwuemeka Nwajiwuba, minister of state for education, said the most disturbing thing is that one out of every five out-of-school children in the world is a Nigerian.
He disclosed that the federal government has launched Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA) administered in 17 states of the federation to tackle the menace.
“Coincidentally, the recent occurrences in the country’s education system such as kidnappings of pupils/students, increased insurgence and general insecurity in schools have added to some of the factors responsible for this,” he added.
“Other fundamental factors are cultural and religious beliefs, poverty and political will.
“For the government and stakeholders to record a landmark achievement, the education system would require a total overhaul in the provision of a safe and secured environment for learners and teachers among others.”
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