In a bid to address the pressing issue of out-of-school children in Nigeria, the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun today addressed the House of Representatives Committee on Alternate Education, outlining government’s financial strategies and programs aimed at tackling the challenge.
Joined by the Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, HM Edun, reaffirmed Federal Government’s Commitment to Strengthening Education through a range of initiatives with a view to ensuring that every child is provided with access to quality education.
In his address, the Minister highlighted key progress in enhancing school security, including the establishment of the Secretariat for Financing Safe Schools in January 2022. This initiative, which originated from a 2021 high-level forum, is focused on implementing a national plan to strengthen school security from 2023 to 2026. The Scheme integrates security measures with community-based efforts to ensure the safety of students.
HM Edun also announced the upcoming relaunch of the Home-Grown School Feeding Program, a critical initiative designed to increase school attendance by providing meals to students. He explained that feeding children at school would not only improve their health and well-being but also incentivize them to remain in school, thereby reducing the number of out-of-school children.
Addressing broader economic concerns, the Minister spotlighted the federal government’s strategies under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Administration, especially in the educational sector. He expressed optimism that these initiatives would positively impact the national budget by providing sufficient resources to support and sustain the educational programs.
With the federal government’s renewed commitment to education, Nigeria is poised to witness a significant reduction in the number of out-of-school children. The Honourable Minister’s presentation highlighted the administration’s dedication to tackling this critical issue through innovative initiatives like the Secretariat for Financing Safe Schools and the Home-Grown School Feeding Program.
As the government continues to prioritize education, Nigeria’s future generations can expect improved access to quality learning, setting the stage for a brighter, and more prosperous tomorrow.
Signed
Mohammed Manga, FCAI
Director, Information and Public Relations
