Experts and stakeholders in the education sector have called for urgent action to curb the increasing rate of out-of-school children, particularly in the northern part of the country.
Speaking at this year’s International Day of Education on Monday, which was organised by the Northeast Zonal Coordinator of Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI), Dr. Peter Ajanson, and tagged: Learning for Lasting Peace.
An educationist Mr. Abel Musa identified the nation’s education curriculum as being defective and needs proper reviews to cater for a new trend for the students’ employability.
Abel further said that quality teachers, outdated content, assessment and examination frauds, inadequate educational infrastructure, poor governance and corruption are major problems in the sector.
He added that a general overhaul of the nation’s curriculum be done to give way to practical skills and integrate digital literacy, critical thinking, and adaptability.
While speaking, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics of the Bauchi State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Sadiq Abubakar Ilella, believed that the curriculum which is being reviewed every five years is capable of transforming the sector to international best practice.
He urged the education officers to abide by the curriculum “some of the teachers don’t know that the document is in their school. However, the government is supposed to make it available for the schools.”
Sadiq faulted some parents for the deserted Tsangaya Schools across the North while allowing the kids to roam on the streets.
“Government of Goodluck Jonathan built the Almajirai schools in different local government areas of Bauchi State but these schools have been deserted. The parents of these kids believe it is by taking their wards to one malam who might not have the knowledge and even the resources to run their affairs. He will easily throw them on the streets for begging,” Sadiq said.
“Education is a right of every child. Also, Bauchi State has just signed the Child Rights Act into law, so our people should be aware of this law. Majorly, implementation of the law is very important.”
The convener of the dialogue, Dr. Peter Ajanson urged the government and critical stakeholders to ensure the reduction of out-of-school kids to foster education for all and a peaceful society.
