FG Pledges Education Overhaul and Plans to Slash Out-of-School Children

In a commitment to revitalize the education sector, the federal government announced its dedication to a comprehensive overhaul for enhanced outcomes. Professor Tahir Mamman, the Minister of Education, emphasized this during the keynote speech at the ministerial session of the 67th National Council on Education (NCE) meeting in Ikeja.

Under the theme “Addressing the Challenges of Policy Implementation: A Panacea for the Achievement of Education 2030 Agenda,” Prof. Mamman outlined the government’s objective to reduce the percentage of out-of-school children to seven by 2034. Focusing on improving access to basic education and addressing the issue of out-of-school children is positioned as a priority for the Federal Ministry of Education.

Highlighting the severity of the problem, Mamman referenced a World Bank report indicating that 25 percent of children aged 6-14, approximately 13 million, were out of school in Nigeria. Moreover, only 25 percent of children in the same age group demonstrated proficiency in reading and numeracy, with a staggering 39 million unable to read and write.

The minister acknowledged the positive impact of interventions by development partners such as the World Bank, UNICEF, and UNESCO but stressed the need for critical examination and practical solutions. The shared vision between the federal government and these partners aims to reduce out-of-school children to seven percent by 2034 and ensure that at least 50 percent of children demonstrate proficiency in reading and numeracy at the basic level.

Prof. Mamman detailed the ongoing efforts to reposition and revitalize the education sector, encapsulated in a roadmap named “Education for Renewed Hope.” This initiative focuses on out-of-school children, the girl child, skills, and entrepreneurship education. It encompasses enhancing the quality of basic education, updating the curriculum, improving teaching standards, and investing in vocational and technical education.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, represented by the Commissioner for Primary and Basic Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, commended the progress made in the state’s education sector. He urged delegates to share successful strategies and rededicate efforts to ensure that policies translate into actionable results.

Source: Peoples Gazette