We’ve Returned 2 Million Out-of-School Children to School, Says Deputy Education Minister Sununu

 

The Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, has announced a significant milestone in Nigeria's education sector, revealing that the ministry has successfully reintegrated approximately 2 million out-of-school children back into the educational system.In an interview with ARISE NEWS on Thursday, Minister Sununu attributed this achievement to the meticulous tracking mechanisms instituted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, coupled with a series of zonal campaigns aimed at enrolling out-of-school children. Despite this progress, Sununu emphasized that the current number of out-of-school children remains unacceptable.Sununu underscored the ministry's commitment to reducing the out-of-school population and providing quality education to all Nigerian children. He highlighted the importance of equipping students with essential skills to thrive independently, stating, "Reducing the number of out-of-school children and providing good education are key measures to assess the ministry’s performance."The deputy education minister outlined the collaborative approach adopted by the ministry in addressing education challenges, including the development of a roadmap for education spanning 2024–2027. Sununu emphasized the importance of partnership between the federal, state, and local levels in implementing effective education policies and initiatives.Among the ministry's key projects is DOTS (Data, Out-of-school children, Teachers, Skills), focusing on reskilling and upskilling teachers to meet the evolving needs of the education sector. Over 1,000 teachers have been trained to work in various states, with a particular focus on addressing deficiencies in science and vocational education in the northern region.Despite acknowledging existing challenges such as economic and human resource constraints, Sununu expressed optimism about the progress being made under President Tinubu's leadership. He cited a reduction in mass attacks across Nigeria and improvements in vigilance and early warning systems as signs of progress in ensuring the safety and security of educational institutions.Sununu also discussed the ministry's efforts to revamp vocational education, including curriculum and syllabus reviews to align with modern market demands. He highlighted the need to address stigmatization of vocational skills and emphasized the importance of vocational education in Nigeria's development agenda.In conclusion, Minister Sununu outlined the vision for education in Nigeria, emphasizing the goal of equipping Nigerian citizens with knowledge, skills, and character to compete locally, nationally, and internationally. While acknowledging areas for improvement, Sununu expressed confidence in the ministry's ability to excel in specific domains and contribute to Nigeria's educational advancement.