The National Working Group on Basic and Senior Secondary Education has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to increase funding to the education sector so as to reduce the alarming rate of out-of-school children in Nigeria.
The group in an address titled: “The State of Girl Education Media Address“ to commemorating President Tinubu one year in office also urge the president to coordinate states Governors to work in tandem with his commitment to education as captured in the Education for Renewed Hope.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja, Halima Yusuf who is a Girl Child Education Advocate lamented over factors that impede girl’s access, retention and completion of secondary school.
She said the factors which poverty, cultural believes, early marriages and host of others can be tackled if government increases funding to the education sector.
While quoting the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Personnel Audit of 2021of out of school children which stand at 18.3 million, Halima Yusuf said the lack of access to education for girls not only limit their personal development but also undermines the nation’s progress
Also speaking both Bukky Shonibare of the Invitus Africa and Charlse Usie of Plan international Nigeria urge state governments to key into the roadmap for the Nigerian education sector (2024-2027) by aligning their state education sector plans (SESPs) to important focal areas in the roadmap
“It is imperative that we increase the allocation of resources to the education Sector. However, it is not just about funding more but funding better. This means ensuring that funds are efficiently utilised to address pressing educational needs, including teacher training, infrastructure development, and provision of learning materials. ‘It is, therefore, important to put Nigeria on track in line with Nigeria’s commitment to spend 4% of its GDP and 22.5% of its national budget on education by 2025 and maintain this until 2030.
“State governments, for their concurrency, are key to achieving this. Hence, we ask Mr. President to build consensus and show strong leadership to State governors in promoting girls’ access, retention, and completion of primary, junior, and senior secondary school.
“A safe learning environment is essential for effective education. Schools must be safe spaces for school children and personnel, where they can learn without fear of violence, harassment, or abduction.
“The Federal government should work swiftly and comprehensively with state Governors to implement the National Plan on Financing Safe Schools 2023-2026 and the National Policy on Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Schools. Pay Special attention to the unique challenges faced by remote communities, incorporating community-based safety plans, improved security infrastructures, and consistent safety education and drills”.
