Tunji Wusu –
Despite the value of education, at least 10 million school-age children in Nigeria are not attending school, which has become a significant burden for everyone, according to the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF).
The statement was delivered in the opening remarks at the media dialogue on out-of-school children in Bauchi State hosted at the Chartwell Hotel Misau by Dr. Tushar Rane, the Chief of UNICEF’s Bauchi Field Office.
“Education is a fundamental right that empowers children to reach their full potential,” he emphasized, adding that it is “deeply concerning that, due to a variety of factors, a significant number of children in Bauchi state are unable to access this fundamental right, robbing them of their dreams and aspirations.”
“Education plays a vital role in the development of any country,” Rane continued. No country can go beyond its educational level without access to high-quality education, especially at the fundamental levels.
But he added, “At UNICEF, we are committed to improving the lives of children and women in Nigeria, especially in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); and the Education for All (EFA) goals of educating all children at all levels and in all groups.”
The head of UNICEF’s field office added, “We collaborate with the government to improve planning for better education delivery. We also want the government to get rid of structural obstacles that prevent kids from getting a good education.
He said, “Our work with the government is further enhanced through collaboration with traditional leaders, Civil Society Organizations, faith-based organizations, communities, and other development partners to find solutions that will result in getting the out-of-school children back into school.”
Then he went on to say that the media dialogue will serve as a forum for honest and beneficial discussions about the causes of the out-of-school children problem, the obstacles that school-age children face in accessing an education, and most importantly, the potential solutions that we can all work toward in the state of Bauchi.
“My media colleagues, you are the ones who shape public opinion! I urge us to allow the debates that result from this media exchange inspire us, elevate the voices of children who are not in school, push for change, and reaffirm our dedication to making sure that no kid is left behind.
To promote successful awareness and mobilization of parents, guardians, and communities on the necessity of enrolling all school-age children in schools, we will be involving traditional/religious stakeholders, school-based management committees, and youths in this year’s enrollment drive campaign. The media must be involved as well.
“Everyone of us has a part to play in ensuring that children in Bauchi State who are of school age are enrolled in school at the appropriate age. We can open the door for a more promising and inclusive future for kids in Bauchi and beyond by cooperating.
