Vice President Kashim Shettima has highlighted the alarming statistic that 25.6% of Nigeria’s primary school-age children are out of school, emphasizing the urgent need for action to address this crisis. He noted that the northern regions bear the highest rates, with states like Kebbi and Bauchi showing figures over 60%.
Shettima, represented by Deputy Chief of Staff Ibrahim Hadejia at the International Conference on Girl Child Education in Nigeria, stressed that education, particularly for girls, is crucial for the nation’s future and economic stability. He urged stakeholders to treat the situation as an emergency and to implement targeted action plans tailored to regional challenges.
“Every child left out of school today is a liability we will face tomorrow,” he stated, underscoring the long-term consequences of neglecting education. He also pointed out that improved education for girls leads to better economic outcomes and reduced poverty rates.
The Vice President noted that Nigeria’s recent efforts to improve education funding have been significant, with state and federal allocations rising to a combined total of 4.6 trillion Naira by 2024. However, he called for even greater investment, advocating for 15-20% of state budgets to be allocated to education.
Addressing various barriers to education, including early marriage and poverty, Shettima emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach involving federal and state governments, civil society, and local communities. He urged for sustained advocacy and practical interventions to ensure every Nigerian child receives quality education.
The Nigerian Governors Forum, represented by Chairman Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, echoed these sentiments, identifying ongoing challenges such as learning poverty and inadequate teacher capacity.
The conference, themed “Girl Child Empowerment Through Quality Education,” aimed to galvanize action and promote robust financing for education.
Both Shettima and Abdulrazaq reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing access to education, particularly for girls, as a cornerstone of national development.
