Out of school children: Minister calls for aggressive enrolment drive

The Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu has called on stakeholders, Federal, state, local authorities, and the private sector to collaborate towards an aggressive and intensive enrollment drive as part of efforts towards the eradication of the out of school children phenomenal in the country.

Dr Sununu said the National target was to reduce the number out of school children by at least a quota in the next two years.

According to Dr Sununu, commitment and team work by stakeholders were critical elements needed to eradicate the phenomenal.

Speaking on Monday during the opening ceremony of the maiden edition of the Basic Education Summit in Nigeria, in Uyo, the Akwa ibom state capital, Dr Sununu was of the view that in spite of the significant development strides in the country’s education sector, the large number of out of school children remains unacceptable, calling on all hands to stay on deck in the national resolve to confront the ugly phenomenal.

The Minister reaffirmed that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was committed to creative policies and ideas that will take education in the Country to enviable heights.

Describing the theme of the Summit; “improving access to quality and inclusive education for all children in Nigeria towards achieving the sustainable development goal 4’’ as apt and timely, the Minister maintained that the challenges of the sector are not insurmountable, adding that determination, good thinking, planning, creative ideas, commitment and team work would do the job.

The Governor of Akwa ibom state, Pastor Umo Eno said the country must return to the good old days where the necessary facilities for teaching and learning were provided for Basic schools, including accommodation on school premises for teachers for effective supervision of school activities, adding that his administration would lead by example.

Governor Umo emphasised that the summit marks a significant step towards revolutionalising the landscape of Basic education in Nigeria, and ensure that stakeholders gain comprehensive insights into the nuances that define basic education in our Nation.