Addressing challenges of out-of-school children is akin to empowering Nigeria’s future, says Education Minister
The Hon. Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, has asserted that addressing the challenges of out-of-school children is akin to empowering the future of Nigeria.
Prof. Suwaiba made the assertion when she spoke at an international conference organised by the Faculty of Education, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in collaboration with Reaching Out-of-School Children Project, Kaduna State.
The conference, “Empowering the Future: Addressing the Challenges and Opportunities for Out-of-School Children in Nigeria,” took place at Yusufu Bala Usman Hall, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
The Minister, who was represented by her Senior Special Assistant, Prof. Ali Idris, emphasized that education is not just a right but a root of national development.
She reiterated the commitment of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu led-administration to making education a topmost priority.
In a keynote address, the former Minister of Education, Prof. Rukayya Ahmed Rufa’i, stated that the majority of out-of-school children are within the ages of five to fourteen.
Represented by Prof. Garba Sa’ad, the former Minister decried the implications of being out of school as it denies the children access to education and skills.
She called for diligent use of funds allocated for education, pointing out that buying vehicles and unnecessary travel expenses are not for the betterment of education.
Political will, according to the former Minister, is key to addressing Nigeria’s education challenges.
Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Prof. Kabiru Bala, described the theme of the conference as apt, as it addresses the need of the society.
He called on the participants to approach the deliberations with urgency, empathy and ignite the flame of hope for children that are in the darkness of out of school.
Earlier in a welcome address, the Dean, Faculty of Education, Prof. H.I. Bayero, noted that lack of education causes significant stress on the development of any nation, hence the need for discourse that will lead to action to reduce the number of out-of-school children in the country.
Awards were presented to some educational enthusiasts for their support towards the development and revitalization of Nigeria’s educational system.
The awardees were Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani; Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad; and the Director Centre for Girls Education, Hajiya Habiba Muhammad.
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Public Affairs Directorate,
Office of the Vice-Chancellor,
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
(SGB).
Tuesday, 18th February, 2025
