- Agency Report
As Nigerians mark International Day of Education on Friday, some Child Advocates and members of Oyo State Child Protection Network Nigeria (CPN) have proffered solutions to addressing out-of-school children crisis.
They told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan that the crisis of untrained, out-of-school children posed significant risks for the country’s future.
The Oyo State CPN Coordinator, Mrs Rosemary Odigbo, stressed the need for Nigeria to prioritise its education sector, equip youths with practical skills, as well as build and maintain accessible schools in rural and urban areas.
Odigbo, also the Executive Director, Jesus Children Missions Outreach, called for development of initiatives that provided financial support and opportunities for disadvantaged families.
“There is need to ensure equitable access to education for all, particularly marginalised groups and participation of local communities in addressing educational challenges,” she said.
Mr Omotosho Gbola urged families and governments to work together to respect and implement the rights of the child.
Gbola, the Executive Director of Family Health and Population Action Committee (FAHPAC), said that ensuring children were nurtured, educated and protected was essential for building a brighter future for them and society at large.
“During times of war or conflict, children and their mothers are often displaced, leaving them deprived of their fundamental rights.
“The trauma and lack of intervention leave children with no choice but to resort to street life, further compounding the issue of out-of-school children,” he said.
Mrs Aisha Ismail, the Executive Director of Matan Arewa for Sustainable Development Initiatives, urged governments to prioritise identifying and documenting street beggars to provide targeted interventions.
“Addressing the issues of out-of-school children and Almajiris require a multi-faceted approach, involving Federal, State Governments, Religious Leaders and the community.
“Government and Non-Governmental Organisations should work with nonprofits and international organisations to address poverty, education and health issues in the counter,” Ismail said.
The Executive Director of Treasure Builder Foundation, Mrs Christiana Daniel, underscored the need for Nigeria to increase investment in educational infrastructure.
Daniel called for enforcement of the Child Rights Act to protect children from exploitation and expanding programmes aimed at skill acquisition.
“Addressing out-of-school children is essential for reducing the risk of recruitment by insurgent groups and promoting long-term national stability.
“Dealing with Nigeria’s Almajiri and out-of-school children crisis require sustained governmental commitment, community involvement, and an education policy that balances formal schooling with local traditions,” she said.
Similarly, Mr Gabriel Elijah, says the persistence of out-of-school children in Nigeria, despite various interventions, is a multifaceted issue rooted in poverty, insecurity, insufficient resources, cultural norms, and infrastructural challenges.
“Addressing this problem requires a comprehensive and targeted approach.
“The Nigerian government, in collaboration with local communities and international organizations, must prioritize education funding, promote gender equality in education, improve security in conflict-prone areas, and engage communities to challenge cultural barriers.
“Ensuring that every Nigerian child has access to quality education is a critical step toward achieving sustainable development and building a brighter future for the nation,” Elijah said.
Another Child Advocate, Mrs Sururat Oyero, said addressing out-of-school children crisis in Oyo State and Nigeria, called for a multi-prolonged approach.
Oyero, also member of Federation of Muslim Women’s Association in Nigeria, emphasised that combining government resources, community engagement and effective policy implementation could transform the lives of the children and secure Nigeria’s future.
“Let’s take collective action to ensure every child has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive, together we can unlock the potential of Oyo State and Nigeria at large,” Oyero said. NAN