The North-east zone of Nigeria is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant communities. However, amidst all the glory and splendour, there lies a pressing issue that demands immediate attention – the alarming rate of out of school children.
According to a recent report by UNESCO, the North-east has the highest number of out-of-school children in the country, even though basic education is free and compulsory in the zone; about 10.5 million children aged 5 to 14 years are out-of-school. About 50 per cent of these children live in the Northern region of Nigeria, known to be severely affected by the Boko Haram insurgency. This is a cause for great concern, as education is the key to unlocking a brighter future and breaking the cycle of poverty.
The root cause of this crisis can be traced back to various factors, such as poverty, lack of infrastructure, and cultural barriers. In the North-east, poverty is a major issue, with many families struggling to make ends meet.
Education, being a costly affair, often takes a backseat in such circumstances, and children are forced to drop out-of-school and help support their families.
Moreover, a significant number of schools in the North-east lack basic infrastructure, making it difficult for children to access education. Many villages do not have access roads, forcing children to walk long distances to the nearest school. Lack of electricity and potable water add to the challenges, making it difficult for students to study and concentrate in class.
In addition, certain cultural beliefs and practices act as barriers to education for children in the North-east. In some communities, girls are not encouraged to pursue education and are often married off at a young age, thus ending their chances of receiving an education. Similarly, children from tribal communities face discrimination and are often denied the opportunity to attend school.
The consequences of a high number of out-of-school children are far-reaching and have a detrimental impact on the development of the zone. Without proper education, these children are at a higher risk of falling prey to child labour, trafficking, and exploitation. This not only robs them of their childhood but also hinders their chances of breaking out of the cycle of poverty.
It is imperative that immediate action is taken to address this crisis and provide every child in the North-east access to quality education. The government, NGOs and community-based organisations must work together to ensure that every child has the opportunity to attend school, regardless of their socio-economic background.
One of the key ways to tackle this issue is by addressing the root cause, which is poverty. By providing financial assistance and incentives to families living below the poverty line, the burden of education can be eased, and more children can be encouraged to attend school. Infrastructure development in rural areas is also crucial in ensuring that children have safe and easy access to education.
Moreover, it is essential to engage with the community and raise awareness about the importance of education. Cultural beliefs and practices can be shifted through education and awareness programmes, thus ensuring that every child, especially girls and children from marginalised communities, are not denied their right to education.
The alarming rate of out-of-school children in the North-east is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed immediately. With the right measures, we can ensure that every child in the zone has access to education, paving the way for a brighter future for them and the entire North-east. It is time for us to come together and take action, for every child deserves the opportunity to dream, learn and grow.
(Blue Print)
