Out of school children: Bauchi gov pledges basic education for every child

Gov Bala Mohammed says his administration reduce out-of-school children from 2.3 million to 700,000

 From Paul Orude Bauchi

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has pledged to restore the prestige and glory of public education in the state and make education accessible to every child.

Mohammed gave the assurance while declaring open the maiden Education Summit, at the Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar Hajj Camp, Bauchi, on Monday.

Bauchi recorded an alarming 2.3 out of school children, the highest in the country in 2018.

Sununu says rate of out-of-school children in Nigeria unacceptable and disheartening

The governor disclosed  that with the inclusion policy and shear political will, the number of out of school children in the State has reduced from.the staggering 2.3 million to 700,000 since he came on board in 2019.

He said progress of any administration is intricately linked to ability to provide all children with quality education, irrespective of their circumstances

“We aspire to holistically address the challenges, cultivating a workforce equipped to bridge human resource gaps in health, agriculture, education, construction, ICT, and the modern economy, not just within Bauchi State but across Nigeria and beyond, he said.

“Our ultimate aim is to construct a knowledge-based economy, turning the demographic challenge of unemployed youth into an asset by imparting the necessary knowledge, skills, and values required in the globalized economy”

Gov Mohammed welcomes Sununu to the Summit

He said the summit, among other objectives, is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the state of education in Bauchi, including the number of out-of-school children, their demographics, and the impact on education due to various challenges.

Mohammed disclosed that the summit, with the theme Nurturing a flourishing Future: Improving Access and quality of Education in Bauchi State”, also aimed to develop evidence-based programmes, policies and strategies towards addressing the challenges and strengthening.

“I am proud to announce a progressive increase in budgetary allocation to education since the beginning of my first administration,” he said.

“In the fiscal year 2023 we have allocated approximately 16% of the total budget to education — a record high in recent years. 

“This significant investment underscores our firm belief that a well-funded education sector is crucial for the overall development of our state”

In a goodwill message, the Minister of State, Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu, decried  the rising figure of Out of School Children in Nigeria and most particularly in the Northern part of Nigeria.

“It is not only unacceptable, but disheartening,” he said 

“There must be concerted efforts to address and reverse the trend of this time-bomb phenomenon.

“At the Federal level, the newly established National Commission for Almajiri and Out of School Children is set to commence activities. 

“The Commission will address issues and develop mechanisms for the integration of Tsanga/Madrasa schools to be integrated into Basic Education”

He reiterated the importance of education to sustainable development and unlocking a better future for all children. 

“It is the foundation on which they can build their lives and contribute to the development of their state and the society,” he said.

Sununu reiterated that education is our collective responsibility and its failure can well be taken as the failure of the entire country.

“It is based on this that the Federal Ministry of Education recognizes and commends the efforts of His Excellency, Governor Bala Mohammed for great strides in Bauchi State,” he said.

“Especially on your plan to revolutionize the education sector by designing an implementable Roadmap that will ensure equitable access to quality and functional education.

“Our concern for and pro-activeness towards bridging the gaps in the education sector in your state is highly commended. 

“History records that you inaugurated the Bauchi State Education Committee under the leadership of His Royal Highness, the Emir of Bauchi State, Dr. Rilwan Sulaiman Adamu, to address the menace of out-of-school children syndrome and poor learning outcomes. 

“The continuous Teacher capacity building; the promotion of all teachers in the state; your approval for the recruitment of additional teachers to support teaching and learning; renovation and construction of more schools; and the payments of examination fees for students, to mention but a few all attest to your passion to ensure a literate, vibrant and educated Bauchi State.