President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to addressing the challenge of out-of-school children in Nigeria.
Speaking during a dialogue with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palais des Élysées, Tinubu emphasized the importance of education and skill development as key components of his government’s strategy to tackle the issue.
According to a statement issued by Tinubu’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the Nigerian president highlighted the alarming statistics surrounding education in the country. In a report released by UNESCO in September 2022, it was revealed that Nigeria has 20 million out-of-school children, though the World Bank’s June 2023 report estimated the number at 11 million, based on a national education survey conducted in 2020.
Tinubu acknowledged the severe impact of insecurity on children’s access to education, particularly in certain parts of the country, but assured that progress is being made. He stressed that his government is focused on repopulating classrooms while also promoting skills development to support those who are of age but have been out of school for a prolonged period.
“We will encourage skills development to bridge the gap for some who are of age and have been out of school for a while,” Tinubu said. “The insecurity in some parts of the country makes it hard for children to return to school, but we are gradually repopulating the classrooms.”
He further noted that the administration’s “kinetic” strategies for peacebuilding have seen positive outcomes and that more stability would be achieved with continued efforts. Tinubu also pointed to a good agricultural harvest as a sign of improving stability, adding that as security improves, farmers will be able to return to their farms, further contributing to national stability.
In response, President Macron acknowledged Nigeria’s significant growth potential, particularly in the educational sector, and emphasized the importance of investing in education. Reflecting on his personal connection to Nigeria, Macron recalled his time as an intern at the French embassy in Nigeria, where he visited cities like Lagos and Kano, which gave him a deep understanding of the country’s potential and challenges.
