The Minister of State for Education, Dr Tanko Yusuf Sununu, has said that the out-of-school children phenomenon in the country is a time bomb which needs to be addressed immediately.
Dr Sununu noted this at the flag off of the campaign against out-of-school children by the federal and state governments in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, on Monday, saying it had become a global concern given their number in Nigeria.
The minister explained that the campaign was flagged off in Kebbi as a zone in the North West because it had the highest number of out-of-school children in Nigeria.
He added that the federal and state governments, Ministry of Education and governors’ forum decided to come together to build the bridge to improve enrollment and retention of out-of-school children in the country.
He said, “We have a president that has the political will. He has special focus for education in his eight-point agenda.
“The out-of-school children is a special area for us, and we are sure of a light at the end of the tunnel.”
Sununu further said he was happy with the commitment of Kebbi people on the issue as, “They have shown us they are ready to support the initiative.
“Governor Nasir Idris is a foundational learner and teacher. He is doing his best in this regard.”
Governor Idris, in his remarks, said his administration in the last eight months spent over N9bn on infrastructure, building and renovation of schools.
He added that 717 post-basic literacy centres were established across the state for the almajir under the Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA) initiative in the state.
