The number of Out of school children in Nigeria has hit 13.2 million
against the previously estimated 10.5million in 2015.
This latest figure is according to Authorities of the
Universal Basic Education Commission.
Speaking through Mr. Bello Kagara, at a pre-conference meeting
with traditional rulers on Thursday, the Executive Secretary of the commission,
Dr Hamid Bobboyi, attributed the increase to insurgent activities in North-eastern
Nigeria.
‘’The figure was 10.5 in 2015, but with increasing number of
births, the Demographic Health Survey conducted by the UNICEF and the federal
Ministry of Education, an upsurge in the number children not in school was
revealed’’
But the increase in number of births is not the only reason
children are not going to school.
According to the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Mera, ‘’there
are other socio-cultural factors limiting Education in Nothern Nigeria’’
Meanwhile, the recent data is the reason UNICEF wants Nigerian
leaders to tackle incidents of children not accessing basic education.
According to UNICEF’s Chief of Education, Therry Durnnian, the charity will partner legislators, Religious
leaders and Traditional rulers to develop strategies curb the challenge.
He said ‘’It is important to talk to people who can talk to
Parents on the importance of education and this will help in the reduction of out
of school children challenge".
Changing the narrative on formal education in the North is
one agenda expected to dominate discussions at the northern traditional rulers’
conference on out of school children later in the month.
The event is slated for the 10th and 11th
of October 2018 in Kaduna State.
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