From Femi Mustapha and Edirin Robinson, in Kaduna
In a move to address the menace of Out-of-School Children, the Faculty of Education, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, in collaboration with the Reaching Out-of-School Children (ROOSC) Project, convened a critical education stakeholders conference in Zaria today (Tuesday).
The conference, with the theme, “Empowering the Future: Addressing the Challenges and Opportunities for Out-of-School Children in Nigeria,” is aimed at providing solutions to the lingering problems of Out-of-School Children in Nigeria.
The State Coordinator for Project ROOSC, Mr. Ezra Angai in his presentation, explained that the objective of the conference is to identify the key challenges preventing children from accessing education with a key focus on out-of-school children in Kaduna, noting that, it will highlight the initiatives and interventions currently being implemented to address the out of school children crisis.
According to him, the conference will also examine the potential opportunities and sustainable solutions for reintegrating out-of-school children into the educational system and encourage collaboration efforts among stakeholders in promoting inclusive education.
He opined that addressing the problem of out-of-school children requires a comprehensive approach that tackles supply-side challenges by focusing on advocacy, political will, legislation, parental care, the introduction of skills training to formal learning, and cultural issues.
“The Nation can significantly reduce the number of OOSCs and pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future. The success of these interventions depends on collaboration among stakeholders, sustained funding, and robust monitoring mechanisms to ensure that every child has access to quality education.
“The ROOSC Project is a comprehensive initiative launched by the State Government to address the significant number of out-of-school children estimated at over 524,670, in partnership with international organizations such as the Islamic Development Bank, Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, Global Partnership for Education, Education Above All and Save the Children International.
“The Project seeks to reintegrate more than 200,000 out-of-school children into the educational system through key strategies which include the construction of 102 new schools, renovating 170 existing schools and enhancing teacher effectiveness through targeted training and capacity building.”
He further explained that the project focuses on creating an inclusive learning environment, particularly for girls, children with disabilities, and adolescents, ensuring equitable access to quality primary education across all 23 LGAs in Kaduna State.
The Chairman of the occasion, Gov. Uba Sani, in his remark, applauded the Faculty of Education, ABU Zaria, and Project ROOSC for their commitment to addressing one of the most pressing educational challenges in Nigeria, particularly the high statistics of out-of-school children in Nigeria.
Gov. Sani, who was represented by Prof. Usman Abubakar Zaria, opined that the theme of the conference couldn’t have been more relevant, noting that it is a stark reality that millions of Nigerian children remain out of school due to socio-economic constraints, insecurity, and systemic challenges.
“Education is not just a priority in Kaduna State—it is the backbone of our development agenda. Under His Excellency’s leadership, the education sector has consistently received the lion’s share of the state’s budget—25% in 2024 and 26.14% in 2025 – the education sector receiving the highest budget under this administration.
“Education remains the greatest equalizer, and Kaduna State will continue to champion policies that bridge the learning gaps, support teachers, and empower children. This unwavering commitment is already yielding remarkable results in Infrastructure, with 62 new secondary schools built in 18 months and 50 more underway to enroll over 100,000 students.
In his opening speech, the Vice Chancellor of the Institution, Prof. Kabiru Bala, opined that education is the foundation of human dignity and societal progress, adding that it is not merely a privilege but a fundamental right.
He, however, maintained that the staggering reality of over 20 million out-of-school children in Nigeria (UNICEF, 2023) remains a national emergency—one that demands urgent, collaborative, and innovative action.
According to him, the theme of the conference speaks directly to the heart of all stakeholders in their collective responsibility, questioning how Nigeria, as a nation and a global community, can ensure that no child is left behind.
“The barriers are multifaceted: poverty, insecurity, cultural norms, gender disparities, and inadequate infrastructures. But let me be clear, these challenges are not insurmountable. They are a call to action for thinkers, policymakers, educators, and innovators like you gathered here today to brainstorm and proffer solutions for action.
“At Ahmadu Bello University, we have long recognized our role as a catalyst for societal transformation. Under my leadership, we have prioritized community-driven research and policy advocacy to bridge educational gaps. For instance, our Faculty of Education’s recent partnership with Reaching out -of -school children, whose project officer will present a paper today, underscores our commitment to practical, grassroots solutions.
“Moreover, collaboration in teaching, learning, and research is key. Today’s conference brings together global experts, local stakeholders, and passionate advocates in education.
“Let us use this platform to forge partnerships and collaboration that transcend borders and bureaucracies. Let us design frameworks that prioritize inclusivity, sustainability, and accountability to ensure that the issue of out-of-school children is minimized to a bearable level.
“I am reminded of the words of our university’s founder, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto: “Education is light, and where there is light, darkness cannot thrive.” Let this conference ignite a flame of hope for millions of Nigerian children still waiting in the shadows.”
The special guest of honor, Minister of State, Education, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad in her remark, said that the theme of the conference is not only timely but also critical to the sustainable development of the Nation adding that, the menace is disturbing and more prominent at North-Western part of Nigeria.
She noted that Nigeria is faced with the daunting challenge of having one of the highest numbers of out-of-school children in the world, with recent data revealing that over 10 million children in Nigeria are not in school.
“This is a crisis that demands urgent and collective action. These children, who are supposed to be the future leaders, innovators, and drivers of our economy, are being left behind due to a combination of factors which include poverty, insecurity, cultural barriers, and inadequate infrastructure.
“While the challenge is significant, it is not insurmountable. This conference provides us with a unique platform to explore innovative solutions, share best practices, and forge partnerships that will enable us to tackle this issue head-on. We have the opportunity to leverage technology, community engagement, and policy reforms to ensure that every child in Nigeria has access to quality education.
