Opinion
National Summit on Out of School Children: UBEC Collaborates with Stakeholders to Tackle Nigeria’s Basic Education Crisis
By Abubakar Yusuf
The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has initiated a national dialogue addressing the persistent crisis of Out of School Children (OOSC) in Nigeria, urging the involvement of stakeholders from both public and private sectors.
In response to the alarming situation of over 20 million OOSC in Nigeria—predominantly in the northern regions—the National Assembly has convened a national discourse to explore solutions to this pressing issue.
This initiative follows widespread concern among various stakeholders regarding the deteriorating conditions faced by OOSC and the urgent need for effective measures to reverse this trend.
With the National Assembly representing a significant portion of the Nigerian populace, it is poised to seek actionable strategies to combat the ongoing challenges posed by OOSC in the country.
The call for action coincides with comments from former leaders, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who recently highlighted the connection between the OOSC crisis and escalating security issues, such as kidnappings and banditry, during a celebration for General Yakubu Gowon.
Obasanjo emphasized that without addressing the OOSC problem, these security challenges will remain unresolved despite substantial government investments.
Similarly, the Northern Governors Forum, led by Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Abdulrasaq, has expressed concerns over the correlation between the OOSC crisis, insecurity, and widespread poverty, particularly in northern Nigeria.
Governors from the South-South region have echoed these sentiments, recognizing that the OOSC issue is a global challenge rooted in local problems that demands immediate and coordinated action.
Stakeholders, social advocates, and civil society organizations have launched various initiatives to encourage government and private sector efforts to tackle the OOSC dilemma.
UBEC’s appeal for increased support to combat the OOSC crisis aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 4, which aims for quality education for all Nigerians by 2030.
The commission has taken significant steps to accurately quantify the number of OOSC across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) through a dedicated committee.
With comprehensive reports in hand, UBEC has initiated awareness campaigns and programs aimed at addressing the OOSC crisis over the past two years.
Under the leadership of Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, UBEC has pursued various policies and programs to mitigate the incidence of OOSC, recognizing that basic education serves as the foundation for further learning.
The establishment of the Secondary Schools Education Commission (SSEC) further complements UBEC’s efforts, fostering a collaborative approach to resolving the OOSC challenge.
Through extensive fieldwork and data collection, collaboration among stakeholders and UBEC is essential to devising effective solutions for the OOSC crisis in Nigeria, paving the way for comprehensive development.
**Written by Abubakar Yusuf | yus.abubakar3@gmail.com**
Ken Nnamani, a former president of the senate, says he did not beg Elisha Abbo, a former senator representing Adamawa north, on behalf of any judge after the ex-lawmaker lost his election case in court.
In October 2023, the court of appeal sacked Abbo and declared Amos Yohanna, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as the winner of the Adamawa north senatorial election.
Appearing on Channels Television on Wednesday, Abbo said he was a victim of “miscarriage of justice”.
The former senator said Nnamani pleaded with him on behalf of a judge after he lost his election case in 2023.
Reacting in a statement, the former senate president described Abbo’s claim as “blatant lies”.
“My greatest surprise was to hear him state that Senator Ken Nnamani visited him to plead with him on behalf of a judge for the miscarriage of justice. This statement is a blatant lie. I do not know how Senator Abbo can boldly fabricate an event that never happened to buttress his allegation of judicial miscarriage against him,” he said.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I have never visited Senator Elisha Abbo at his house or anywhere. Up to this moment, I do not know where he lives. I have never discussed with him about his case, or any case pending or decided by any court of law in Nigeria.
“The only time I met with him was when he visited me in my house. It was more of a social visit by him. At this meeting, we never discussed his case or any case. I recall that when the matter of his political career came up, I advised him to avoid controversies as a young politician.
“The statements Senator Abbo made regarding me and his case are all fabrications. I believe I have had a sterling and distinguished public service career. I am determined to maintain my integrity and commitment to excellence till the end of my life.”
Heineken Lokpobiri, minister of state for petroleum resources, says the federal government plans to commence implementing the drill-or-drop provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Section 94 of the PIA gives operators a period of three years to begin oil production or relinquish the assets to the federal government.
Speaking during the Cross Industry Group (CIG) meeting held on Tuesday in Florence, Italy, Lokpobiri said it is in the best interest of the country that all inactive wells go to work.
He said the federal government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has provided every necessary incentive to ensure international oil companies (IOCs) in Nigeria run smoothly and profitably.
“Now, it is imperative for these industry players to match the government’s efforts with increased investment by announcing final investment decisions (FIDs),” he said.
Furthermore, Lokpobiri discussed “the challenges, expectations, and measures to enhance the sector’s contributions towards domestic energy needs and regional expansion across Sub-Saharan Africa”.
He emphasised that while IOCs have highlighted engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors as a challenge, “EPCs will not come unless they see strong commitments from industry players”.
“The government has done its part to provide the requisite and investment-friendly fiscals, the ball is now in the court of the IOCs and other operators to make strategic investment decisions that will drive increased production and sustainability in the sector,” he said.
“We must also recognise that domestic crude supply is essential to national energy security. The best solution to this challenge lies in increasing production, which will ensure a balance between domestic supply obligations and external commitments.”
The minister further urged industry players to explore collaborative measures, such as shared resources for contiguous assets and the release of underutilised assets to operators ready to invest in production.
The Progressive Students Movement (PSM), a leading Pan-African student body, has commended the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in Ogun State under Commissioner of Police (CP) Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, for its commitment to security and community engagement.
In a statement released on Thursday, the President of PSM Nigeria, Comrade Ambassador Okereafor Bestman, highlighted the CP’s efforts in strengthening collaboration between the police, stakeholders, and other security agencies to maintain peace and stability in the state.
“It is worthy of note that CP Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, has further fostered a harmonious working synergy between the police, stakeholders, and other security agents aimed at ensuring peace and tranquility in Ogun State,” Okereafor said.
The student leader expressed confidence in CP Ogunlowo’s leadership, stating that Ogun State is on track to becoming one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria under his administration.
He also praised the professionalism and dedication of the Ogun State Police Command in tackling crime, regardless of its scale.
Additionally, PSM acknowledged the Ogun State government’s continued support for security agencies, particularly in providing mobility and logistics to enhance their operational efficiency.
The commendation comes at a time when security remains a top priority for residents and authorities in the state, with ongoing efforts to curb crime and ensure public safety.