The Federal Government has unveiled plans to enroll 500,000 out-of-school children across the country as part of its renewed commitment to tackle Nigeria’s alarming education crisis.
The initiative, announced by the Minister of Education, is a key component of the government’s broader strategy to ensure inclusive and equitable access to education, particularly for children in rural and underserved communities. The program will focus on reintegrating children who have dropped out due to poverty, insecurity, early marriage, and other socio-economic barriers.
According to the Ministry, the enrollment scheme will leverage existing frameworks such as the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), the Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA), and collaborations with state governments, development partners, and local communities. The project will not only prioritize access but also emphasize quality learning outcomes, teacher training, and the provision of learning materials.
Nigeria is currently home to one of the world’s highest numbers of out-of-school children, estimated at over 10 million. Education experts have consistently warned that unless urgent interventions are taken, the country risks deepening its cycle of poverty, unemployment, and insecurity.
The government stated that the fresh enrollment initiative is designed to complement ongoing efforts to modernize classrooms, expand digital learning, and strengthen vocational education pathways. Officials expressed optimism that the program will mark a turning point in the national education sector.
Stakeholders in the education space, however, have urged transparency in implementation, stressing the importance of monitoring and ensuring that resources are not mismanaged.
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