The Minister of Education, Dr Olatunji Alausa, has announced that the federal government is collaborating with state Governors to address the issue of out-of-school children.
Alausa made the statement during the 2025 Budget Defence session of the Joint Committee on Tertiary Institutions, TetFund, and Education, held on Tuesday – yesterday, January 21 – in Abuja, the FCT.
He said the Ministry of Education is engaging State Governors and all 36 education commissioners, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with a view to finding sustainable solutions to the problem.
“We are working together on this; it now requires a collaborative effort.
“The number of out-of-school children is alarming and widespread across all geopolitical regions. We must confront this challenge, or we risk being overwhelmed by it.
“We are engaging with the governors and have met with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum to collaborate on solutions,” Alausa said.
Alausa also highlighted the issue of abandoned Almajiri Schools, which were built during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.
He called for efforts to revive these schools, noting that out of more than 100 schools established for out-of-school children, only a few remain operational.
He further pointed out that funding for the Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Commission is insufficient, urging increased financial support.
The minister emphasised the importance of human capital development in strengthening the education sector.
“Education is the foundation of any society’s progress. Without it, we cannot survive.
“Nigeria’s human capital index is among the lowest in the world, and we must address this issue,” Alausa said.
Sen. Muntari Dandutse, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, underlined the critical role of education in national development.
He emphasised that lawmakers have a constitutional responsibility to ensure that resources allocated to education are strategically planned and effectively utilised.
Dandutse added that the proposed 2025 budget would reflect a clear vision for addressing existing gaps and introducing innovative solutions to emerging challenges in the education sector.(NAN)
