Tinubu outlines plan to tackle out-of-school children crisis in Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu has outlined plans by his administration to reduce the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria through innovative educational initiatives and skills development programs.

Tinubu made the statement during a dialogue with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palais des Élysées, as shared in a press release by the presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.

In recent years, the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria has been a significant concern. A 2022 UNESCO report estimated that 20 million Nigerian children were out of school, though a more recent 2020 national education survey cited by the World Bank in June 2024 placed the figure at 11 million.

The president outlined a multi-pronged approach to addressing the issue, emphasizing education as a top priority for his government.

“We will prioritize education for Nigerian children through innovative return-to-class initiatives, skills development programs, and a supportive framework,” Tinubu said.

He also highlighted the need for specialized programs for older children who have been out of school for extended periods.

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“In order to bridge the gap for some who are of age and have been out of school for a while, we will encourage skills development,” he added.

Tinubu acknowledged that insecurity in some parts of the country has created challenges for children returning to classrooms but noted progress in addressing these issues.

“We are gradually repopulating the classrooms. And we need skills development to bridge the gaps,” he said.

The president also credited the “kinetic” strategies adopted by his administration for achieving gains in national peace-building efforts.

“With some more effort, we will be able to get some level of stability,” Tinubu said. “We had a very good harvest this year. And as soon as more farmers can go back to the farm, we will have more stability in harvest and supply.”

In his remarks, French President Emmanuel Macron recognized Nigeria’s immense growth potential and the critical importance of investing in education.

Macron also reflected on his experiences in Nigeria, recalling his six-month internship at the French embassy, which included visits to Lagos and Kano.

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