Concerned about the rising number of out-of-school children in the country, President Bola Tinubu has approved the start of the DOTS project to restructure the education system, improve enrollment, and assure the academic security of the nation’s children.
DOTS stands for Data Repository, Out-of-School Children’s Education, Teacher Training and Development, and Skill Development and Acquisition.
Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, Minister of State for Education, made the announcement on Friday in Shabu, a suburb of Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State, while also performing the groundbreaking ceremony for the National Examinations Council offices in Nasarawa, Abia, Sokoto, Taraba, Jigawa, Lagos, and River States.
The minister explained that Tinubu’s DOTS project aimed to address the lack of coordinated, verifiable, and accurate data in all parts of Nigeria’s education sector.
Sununu went on to explain that the new programme will allow the Federal Government to follow students‘ progress, providing a clear data-driven mechanism for interventions, particularly for out-of-school children, girls, and those with unique learning difficulties, among others.
He said, “Out-of-school children represent a major thematic area in the eight-point agenda of President Bola Tinubu, with a priority focus on social welfare, health, and education.
“Mr. President is of the belief that the over 20 million out-of-school children we have now represent a group of Nigerians that we have to pay attention to; otherwise, miscreants can use them to cause and foment trouble in Nigeria.
“President Tinubu also believes that for Nigeria to develop and continue to take its rightful position in the community of nations, that group of over 20 million citizens must be returned to school and ensure that they get a proper education and the necessary skills to make them self-efficient and relevant in society.” the minister added.
While congratulating Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule and the governors of the other six states on their ongoing support for the educational sector, the minister expressed optimism that the seven new NECO offices will enable the examination body to better serve the Nigerian people.
Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, Registrar and Chief Executive of NECO, stated that the momentous achievement demonstrated the Federal Government’s support and dedication under Tinubu’s visionary leadership.
According to him, the new state offices in Nasarawa, Abia, Sokoto, Taraba, Jigawa, Lagos, and Rivers States, along with other spectacular NECO edifices, would serve as beacons of excellence in test administration in Nigeria.
While expressing his gratitude to the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage (rtd), and the Sangarin of Shabu, HRH Mahammood Bwallah II, for their royal support for the project, Wushishi stated, “This project is a direct outcome of the Federal Government’s commitment to infrastructural development within the education sector and is therefore part of the seven capital projects captured for NECO in this year’s budget appropriation.”
“As we look to the future, we envision a NECO that is not only a leader in the administration of examinations but also a catalyst for education transformation in Nigeria. We are committed to extending technology and innovation to improve the quality and accessibility of our services.”
Earlier, while welcoming dignitaries from the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and other parts of the country, Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Education, Muhammed Bala, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to continuing to support all federal ministries, departments, and agencies, including the education sector.