Out Of School Children Increases To 13.2million

By Ajoke Babareke, Abuja

The number of Out of school children in Nigeria has increased from 10.5million to 13.2million between 2010 and 2015.

This was made known by the UBEC Executive Secretary, Dr Hamid Bobboyi, at the Pre-conference Briefing on Northern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Conference on Out Of School Children.

The UBEC ES who was represented by the Commission's Director of Social Mobilisation, Bello Kagara said the increase in the figure was due to Insurgency attacks in Northeast Nigeria and according to him, led to near collapse of education in the region.

According to him,"up to 2015 the figure was 10.5 over few years and with increasing number of birth, the Demographic Health Survey jointly conducted by UNICEF and the federal Ministry of Education revealed the new figure of 13.2million"

The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Mass Literacy Adult and Non-Formal education, Abubakar Haladu,said Nigeria must at this point look for ways in addressing this problem.

Haladu added that addressing this problem will make Nigerian children have access to basic quality education.

The Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Muhammadu Mera, said the involvement  of traditional rulers is key to  getting the problem of Out of school Children solved.

He identified Socio-cultural factors as key challenges hindering children from school.

"Traditional rulers will lead the process of re-integrating children who are out of school"

UNICEF Chief Education Specialist, Terry Durnnian said if Nigeria cannot address the issue of Out Of School Children, it means the world cannot address thesame problem of Out Of School.

According to Terry,"Our mandate is looking at the four key rights among which is the right of the child to education, it is a fundamental right they should have, More than 10million children in Nigeria are unable to access education"

"To address this we need to build on our strength,UNICEF will not lead process but will support process. 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 the OSC challenge" he added.

The UNICEF Chief Education specialist expressed the readiness of UNICEF to reduce the numbers of out school children in Nigeria.

The Pre-conference Briefing on Northern Nigeria Traditional Rulers will focus on areas where traditional rulers can make change .