In a major step towards addressing Nigeria’s mounting out-of-school children crisis, the National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), in collaboration with the Partnership for Learning for All Nigerians (PLANE), has launched a comprehensive capacity assessment initiative for state ministries of education and related agencies in the South West and South East regions.
The initiative aims to develop solutions that will bring millions of children back into the classroom.
At the opening ceremony held in Akure, Ondo State, the Acting Director-General of NIEPA, Dr. David Shofoyeke, represented by Dr. Nojeem Oresajo, underscored the urgency of tackling the out-of-school children challenge.
He referenced sobering statistics from UNESCO: “Nigeria faces a significant challenge with 20 million out-of-school children, threatening the futures of these children and the sustainable development of the nation.”
Dr. Shofoyeke explained that the primary objective of the programme is to evaluate the capacity of state ministries and education agencies, identifying gaps in planning and data collection. He emphasized, “Effective planning skills and valid data are crucial in mitigating the increasing rate of out-of-school children.”
Dr. James Fadokun, representing PLANE, briefed participants on their two-day assignment and called for their cooperation. He highlighted PLANE dedication to improving education in Nigeria through various initiatives, “This assessment will provide valuable insights into the capacity needs of state ministries of education and agencies.”
Dr. Fadokun outlined the goals of the initiative, including:
- Evaluating the capacity of education planners to tackle out-of-school children issues.
- Identifying opportunities to strengthen institutional policies and practices.
- Encouraging stakeholder engagement to create actionable recommendations.
- Promoting evidence-based planning to reduce out-of-school children.
In a goodwill message, Ondo State Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Mr. Olaolu Akindolire, represented by Mr. Obajulaye Oluwadayiro, emphasized the need for collaboration: “Addressing the issue of out-of-school children requires a multi-stakeholder approach to tackle the complex challenges involved.”
The event was attended by key government agencies such as the Federal Ministry of Education, the Almajiri Commission of Nigeria, the DAWN Commission, and the South Eastern Commission. Their presence highlighted a unified commitment to solving Nigeria’s education crisis.
According to Tenabe Bodunde, NIEPA’s Media Officer, this capacity assessment represents a “significant milestone” in the fight against out-of-school children. The initiative aims to strengthen institutional capacity and ensure that every child, regardless of region, has access to quality education.
With over 20 million Nigerian children out of school, the NIEPA-PLANE partnership seeks to turn the tide, offering hope for a future where education is accessible to all.
