As Nigeria marked Children’s Day, experts from various sectors have raised fresh concerns over the growing number of out-of-school children, warning that the crisis poses a threat to the country’s future.
According to UNICEF, over 18.3 million children in Nigeria are currently out of school. Experts say this situation is a ticking time bomb that could slow down national progress if urgent action is not taken.
A Professor of Sociology, Lai Olurode, described the issue as “a national emergency” and urged the government to take bold steps and adopt strong policies to tackle the problem.
He emphasised the need for the government to reintroduce free and compulsory education at all levels nationwide. Olurode also stressed the importance of enhancing teacher training and welfare, rehabilitating school infrastructure, and implementing social security initiatives to support families whose children may lose income from street trading.
“The falling roof must be fixed and the falling wall mended,” he warned, noting that dilapidated learning environments only push vulnerable children back to the streets.
On his part, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Oyo State, Mr Raji Oladimeji, called for engagement with community leaders and parents to advocate for the importance of education and ensure that children attend school.
He emphasised that the awareness campaign should particularly be disseminated among marginalised groups.
Oladimeji also called for the development of curricula that are culturally sensitive, relevant to the needs of the students and accessible to all learners.
The NUT chair further urged the government to prioritise funding for education to support infrastructure development and teacher training, as well as implement policies that ensure free or subsidised tuition and scholarships.
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