Forum Raises Alarm over Growing Rate of Out-of-School Children

By Bunmi Agboola

The rate at which out-of-school children in the country increases on a daily basis has been described as a menace that should be urgently addressed by all and sundry in the country.

This was the submission of Civil Society Network for Peace and Restorative Justice in collaboration with the Oyo State Government at a one-day stakeholders round-table talk at MUSWEN Conference Hall, Iwo Road, Ibadan to commemorate this year International Day of Peace.

The guest speaker at the forum, a retired chief lecturer, Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Professor Sabitu Olagoke, who described the high rate at which out-of-school children in the country increased by the day, said it posed a huge threat to the progress of the country.

Also contributing, the Secretary, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Mr Jacob Dairo, represented by Mr Muslideen Olanipekun, said about 20 millions children in Africa aged between 6 and 18 years are not enrolled in school, citing UNESCO.

He noted that approximately one million out-of-school children are in the country, pointing out that the Oyo State Government led by Engineer Seyi Makinde free education programme was a total package aimed at transforming the state into an egalitarian one.

While reacting, the Zonal Director Federal Radio Cooperation of Nigeria, Mr Dominic Mokikan,  represented by Deputy Director, Outside Broadcast and Sports, Mrs Abiodun Ogidan, said parents should wake up to their responsibilites in shaping the future of their children.

In his address, the chairman of the forum, Professor Rasheed Aderinoye, said collaboration across board was needed to nip the menace in the bud.

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