Utibe Ekoson
The federal government has blamed state governments for the continuous rise in the number of out-of-school children in the country.Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, who stated this at the ongoing 66th National Council on Education meeting in Abuja yesterday, lamented that the states were not complementing government’s efforts in tackling the menace.The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), in its latest global data, said Nigeria now has about 20 million out-of-school children.Speaking on the theme, “Strengthening of Security and Safety in Nigerian Schools for the Achievement of Education 2030 Agenda,” Adamu called on all states to rise up to their responsibilities, and provide a safe and secure learning environment for both students and teachers.While saying it is the responsibility of governments to uphold the right to education for all by ensuring that all barriers are removed, he said all hands must be on deck to strengthen the security system of educational institutions.In her remarks, the United Nations Children’s Fund Chief Education Officer, Saadhna Panday-Soobrayan said attacks on schools and violence in and around schools are having devastating short and long-term consequences on the wellbeing of children and communities.She said getting children into school and keeping them there is therefore critical to end the security challenges in the country.The event had in attendance Commissioners of Education from the 36 states, Senior government officials, among others.
