CHAIRMAN OF SOUTHERN GOVERNORS’ FORUM PLEDGES SUPPORT TOWARDS ERADICATING OUT OF SCHOOL SYNDROME 12-10-24
By Sadiq Aminu The Chairman of Southern Governors’ Forum and Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun has pledged the Forum’s support towards eradicating the out of school syndrome in the country.
He made the pledge in Abeokuta during a courtesy visit by the Executive Secretary, National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children’s Education, Dr. Muhammad Idris.
Governor Abiodun emphasized the importance of addressing the Almajiri and out-of-school children challenge, describing it as a national priority and a time bomb that must be tackled head-on.
He expressed his administration’s readiness to collaborate with the Commission to reduce the number of out-of-school children in Ogun State, with 10.3% of primary school-age, 12.1% of junior secondary school-age, and 20.9% of senior secondary school-age.
Governor Abiodun also announced a donation of a state office accommodation for the Commission, as well as the appointment of a focal person to ensure synergy between the state government and the Commission.
The Executive Secretary, National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children’s Education, Dr. Muhammad Idris praised Governor Abiodun’s passion for education and expressed the belief that the collaboration would have a great impact on the advocacy.
The visit marks the beginning of the Commission’s advocacy in the southern region, aimed at enrolling millions of Nigerian out-of-school children in school and reforming the almajiri system of education.