#Out-of-school children
September 8, 2022 by NAN
The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mr Dumebi Kachikwu, has urged the federal government to address the challenges of Nigeria’s UNESCO estimated 20 million out-of-school children.
Kachikwu made this known in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja to commemorate the International Literacy Day (ILD) 2022.Celebrated yearly on September 8, annually, the theme of the 2022 ILD is: “Transforming Literacy Learning Spaces.”
The presidential hopeful noted that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), report on the heightened number of out-of-school children in Nigeria was alarming and called for concern.
“The federal, states, local governments and private education providers need to redouble their efforts in creating safe learning spaces in the country.
“This is also in view of the destructive effects of the activities of criminal elements on the advancement of literacy in the country.
“Stakeholders in the education sector also need to use the opportunity afforded by the global celebration to rethink the fundamental importance of literacy learning spaces.“And to build resilience and ensure quality, equitable, and inclusive education for all in Nigeria,” he said.
Kachikwu urged government to step up efforts to address the security challenges in the country especially in schools and the release of all victims of school abductions.
He said that Nigeria could not achieve high level literacy because schools do not have the requisite security and conducive environment necessary for learning.
Kachikwu listed other factors militating against literacy in the country as poor funding, lack of appropriate training, retraining and motivation for teachers, sex predators, cultural and religious practices, which should be addressed.
He urged Nigerians to take advantage of the forthcoming 2023 general elections to vote in competent leaders with the requisite zeal and drive to revamp the nation’s education sector.
