Prominent northern leaders are attributing the issue of out-of-school children in Nigeria to the lack of investment in basic education by state and local governments. Indoctrination and insurgency are identified as key factors contributing to the millions of out-of-school children in the country, particularly in the northern region.
Statistics from 2023 reveal that Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children globally, with 10.2 million at the Primary level and 8.1 million at the Junior Secondary School level. Members of the House of Representatives emphasize the need for state governments to take more responsibility for basic education, stating that proper funding and attention are essential in addressing this challenge.
Efforts are being made at the federal level, such as the student loan scheme and the Federal Government school feeding program, but more collaborative and multi-faceted approaches are required to tackle the root causes of educational disenfranchisement. By engaging communities, leveraging technology, and establishing oversight mechanisms, the issue of out-of-school children can be significantly reduced, shaping a brighter future for the nation as a whole.