The Federal Government has disclosed comprehensive plans to ensure that over one million out-of-school children across the country are successfully returned to the mainstream education system.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made this announcement at the ongoing 69th summit of the National Council of Education in Akure, which is operating under the theme, “Quality Education Data and Professionalisation of Teaching: Tools for Enhanced National Development.” The Minister stated that children from 12,600 communities nationwide would be enrolled, specifically targeting those from ages six to nine for placement into low-cost private schools.

According to him, the remaining children will be enrolled in schools and training centres through collaboration with the Almajiri Commission.

Alausa noted that over 21,000 out-of-school children identified across the nooks and crannies of Abuja had already been handed over to the Federal Capital Territory Education Secretariat for enrolment.

In line with this initiative, the Ministry of Education has established 109 functional learning centres/transit schools across the 36 states and the FCT, resulting in the enrollment of 15,224 learners through the enrollment drive.

The Minister detailed the new approach to integrating informal and formal learning by confirming that a hybrid curriculum combining Quranic education with literacy, numeracy, and civic education has been rolled out.

Furthermore, he highlighted that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Legacy Skills and Training Institute currently serves as a model centre designed to equip Almajiri and out-of-school youths with employable skills.

The Minister concluded his address by urging participants at the 69th Summit to commit to building an education system that is data-driven, professionally anchored, inclusive, and globally competitive.

Speaking at the same event, the state governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, commended President Bola Tinubu’s visionary stance on education and human capital development.

The Governor specifically praised a major federal initiative, stating: “I salute his vision and policy reforms in the education sector, most especially the Nigerian Education Loan Fund which has provided financial assistance to more than 624,000 Nigerian students in our public tertiary institutions.”

Aiyedatiwa noted the significant impact of this policy, adding: “This commendable effort from Mr President has gone a long way in reducing disparity in access to quality education between both the children of the rich and that of the poor,” he said.

The Governor affirmed that the summit’s theme directly addresses the contemporary challenges facing the Nigerian education system and offers a clear roadmap for reform. He called upon all stakeholders to collaborate in establishing a data-driven educational ecosystem that fosters excellence, equity, and innovation, while drawing attention to the under-appreciated teaching profession in Nigeria.

Governor Aiyedatiwa stressed the need for action regarding educators, saying: “We must collectively restore the dignity of the teaching profession by elevating its standards, enhance welfare for the teachers, rewarding merit and ensuring continuous professional growth,” he said.

He further mentioned that his state administration has invested in digital education and technology-based learning tools to prepare learners for the demands of the 21st-century knowledge economy.

Adding to the discussion, the Minister of Education for State, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, explained that the 69th meeting of the council was convened to advance the education system across the country in line with the best global practice.

Ahmad stated that the resolutions reached by the council would be implemented to ensure a fruitful outcome that addresses the challenges confronting the sector.

Finally, the state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, expressed the state’s full alignment with the Federal Government’s data-driven reform in the sector.

Ajibefun stated that the state has provided for a conducive teaching and learning environment with digital capabilities to improve education and nurture future leaders, and asked participants to provide useful information that would proffer solutions for the advancement of education in the country.