The increasing rate of out of school children in Nigeria

 

By: Muhammad Samaila

The increasing rate of out-of-school children in Nigeria is a major issue that has persisted for several years. According to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children in the world, with over 10 million children out of school. This alarming figure has continued to raise concerns amongst educationists, policymakers, and other stakeholders in the country.

Several factors are responsible for the high rate of out-of-school children in Nigeria. Poverty is a major factor as many parents cannot afford to send their children to school. In some cases, parents withdraw their children from school to help with domestic work or engage in other forms of economic activities to contribute to the family's income. Other factors include the lack of access to quality education, inadequate infrastructure, and insecurity in some parts of the country.

The consequences of the increasing rate of out-of-school children are dire. Education is a fundamental right of every child, and the lack of access to it denies them of opportunities to develop their potential. This affects their ability to contribute to the growth and development of the country in the future. Out-of-school children are also more vulnerable to child labor, child trafficking, and early marriage.

It is essential to address the issue of out-of-school children in Nigeria to ensure the country's future development. Governments at all levels must prioritize education and allocate adequate resources to ensure that all children have access to quality education. This includes providing infrastructure such as classrooms, textbooks, and qualified teachers. Also, initiatives such as school feeding programs, scholarship schemes, and other forms of incentives can be introduced to encourage parents to send their children to school.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society groups can also play a significant role in addressing the issue of out-of-school children. They can collaborate with the government to provide support and resources to disadvantaged communities, particularly in rural areas. This could involve providing education materials, building schools, and training teachers to ensure that quality education is accessible to every child.

The increasing rate of out-of-school children in Nigeria is a call for concern. All stakeholders must come together to address the issue and ensure that every child has access to quality education. Investing in education is a critical step towards the country's growth and development and creating a better future for all.

Samaila Muhammad,

 Mass Communication department, Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, Bauchi State.

samailamuhammadgadama@gmail.com