The Niger State Governor Abubakar Bello has faulted the plan of the Federal Government to reduce the number of out-of-school children in the country, adding that it is an effort in futility.
Bello, who made this statement in Minna during the flag off of the National Campaign of out-of-school children in the six geo-political zones on Monday said the current insecurity in some states will make the programme unachievable.
He stated that it will be insensitive to encourage people to return or take their children to school when they are battling with their lives.
“Are we going to talk to schools or the victims who are fighting for their lives?” he wondered.
Bello added that unless insecurity is addressed, there will be more out-of-school children, noting that no parent would allow their children to risk their lives because of school.
He said, “Unless these situations are tackled, this programme can’t work. If we can’t secure the lives and properties of our people, and ensure that they are safe in their homes and safe to go to school, then this will not work.
“Whatever is going to be done towards improving enrollment of children in schools, the security situation is to be tackled first.”
In his remarks, the Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, affirmed that insecurity and the COVID-19 pandemic increased the number of out-of-school children in the country.
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