Tinubu: We’ll return out-of-school children to classrooms

President Bola Tinubu says his administration is committed to reducing the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria.

Tinubu spoke in a dialogue with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palais des Élysées, according to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the presidential spokesperson.

In a report released in September 2022, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) said there were 20 million out-of-school children in Nigeria.

However, in a report published on June 24, the World Bank said there are 11 million out-of-school children in Nigeria. The bank said the statistics were based on the national education data survey of 2020.

“In order to bridge the gap for some who are of age and have been out of school for a while, we will encourage skills development,” the statement quoted the president to have said.

“The insecurity in some parts of the country makes it hard for children to return to school, but we are gradually repopulating the classrooms. And we need skills development to bridge the gaps.”

Tinubu noted that the “kinetic” strategies adopted have recorded progress in the peace-building process nationally.

“With some more effort, we will be able to get some level of stability. We had a very good harvest this year. And as soon as more farmers can go back to the farm, we will have more stability in harvest and supply,” he said.

In response, Macron acknowledged Nigeria’s vast growth potential and the importance of investing in educational initiatives.

He reflected on his formative experiences during a six-month internship at the French embassy in Nigeria, including visits to Lagos and Kano.