Nigeria's Minister of State for Education, Yusuf Tanko Sununu, has announced a bold initiative to revolutionize the country's education sector. At the groundbreaking ceremony of the National Examination Council (NECO) offices in Lafia, Nasarawa State, Sununu revealed that President Bola Tinubu has given the green light for a comprehensive project aimed at rescuing an estimated 20 million out-of-school children and prioritizing education in Nigeria.
According to the sun Nigeria, the project, which is expected to be a game-changer in the education sector, will involve a nationwide census to gather reliable data on schools, students, and teachers from kindergarten to tertiary institutions. This data will enable the government to make informed decisions to improve the quality of education in Nigeria.
"We are committed to ensuring that every child in Nigeria has access to quality education," Sununu emphasized. "We will work tirelessly to achieve this goal and ensure that no child is left behind."
The Minister also commended NECO for its efforts in improving the education sector and urged stakeholders to support the government's initiatives. The project is seen as a crucial step towards addressing the challenges facing Nigeria's education sector, including inadequate infrastructure and poor learning outcomes.
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Education, Muhammad Sani Bala, pledged his administration's commitment to quality education for the state's citizens. The Governor emphasized that education is essential for the development of any society and urged parents and guardians to prioritize their children's education.
Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, Registeral/Chief Executive of NECO, also spoke at the ceremony, highlighting the need for infrastructure upgrades nationwide. He revealed that many state offices were currently housed in rented apartments, which hindered their operations. The new state offices being built in Abia, Jigawa, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, and Nasarawa states will provide a conducive environment for staff to operate efficiently and effectively.
The groundbreaking ceremony marked a significant milestone in the government's efforts to prioritize education. The simultaneous ceremonies held in six other states showcased the government's commitment to improving the education sector across the country. With this initiative, Nigeria is poised to take a major leap towards providing quality education for all its citizens.