The Federal Government has said it is strengthening collaboration with relevant stakeholders to develop result-oriented strategies aimed at reducing the growing number of out-of-school children.
To achieve the objective, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed all stakeholders in the basic education sub-sector to work towards returning children back to the classrooms.
Education Minister Tunji Alausa announced this yesterday in Abuja at a three-day meeting with executive chairmen of State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The meeting, with the theme: Strengthening Collaboration for Quality Basic Education Delivery in Nigeria, was organised by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).
Alausa said the Tinubu administration remained committed to transforming the education sector for national development.
He reiterated the commitment of the government towards enhancing the delivery of quality basic education across the country.
The minister, who was represented by his Senior Special Assistant (SSA), Dr. Ismaila Adiatu, emphasised the government’s dedication to addressing the growing crisis of out-of-school children in Nigeria.
He said: “I would like to assure you of the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting quality education to inspire Renewed Hope, with strong emphasis on prioritising qualitative basic education, which is recognised as the most vital segment of the education sector.
“The development of this foundational level is essential for the positive impact of the other tiers of the educational system and its contribution to overall national development.
“The Federal Ministry of Education is, therefore, committed to improving teacher quality, enhancing the school environment, ensuring the availability of adequate instructional materials, and implementing an effective quality assurance evaluation system.
“We are also focused on strengthening collaboration with all relevant stakeholders to develop result-oriented strategies aimed at reducing the growing number of out-of-school children.”
Alausa announced that the government had set up a committee to outline the process for categorising schools in Nigeria to identify areas where urgent interventions are needed.
He said: “These efforts are designed to prepare Nigerian youths for the 21st-century economy, in line with Mr. President’s initiative of ‘Education for Renewed Hope’.”
Alausa urged the participants to reevaluate existing strategies and identify innovative approaches to implementing basic education, including exploring alternative funding sources and fostering collaboration, to ensure that every Nigerian child received quality education.
UBEC’s Executive Secretary Aisha Garba said the gathering was a testament to its collective commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian child had access to quality basic education, regardless of the education programme in Nigeria.
She said: “We must prioritise our society-based education by ensuring effective collaboration at national and state levels within the education sector and beyond.
“This workshop provides us with a unique opportunity to collectively evaluate our progress so far, identify challenges, and chart a new pathway towards achieving our shared goal of an effective basic education system in Nigeria.”
Speaking on behalf of the SUBEB chairmen, Prof. Adaramaja Shehu expressed confidence that the meeting would strategise on improving the effectiveness of schools and uphold best practices to boost learning outcomes.
He urged fellow chairmen to work towards eradicating the menace of having out-of-school children in any part of the country.
