The Federal Government has announced a new initiative aimed at returning more than one million out-of-school children across Nigeria to formal education. The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made this known during the 69th National Council of Education summit held in Akure, themed “Quality Education Data and Professionalisation of Teaching: Tools for Enhanced National Development.”
Dr. Alausa revealed that children from over 12,600 communities will benefit from the re-enrolment scheme, particularly those between ages six and nine, who will be placed in low-cost private schools. He added that others, including Almajiri children, will be enrolled in schools and training centres in collaboration with the Almajiri Commission.
According to the minister, more than 21,000 out-of-school children have already been identified across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and handed over to the FCT Education Secretariat for re-enrolment. So far, 109 functional learning centres have been established nationwide, with 15,224 learners already integrated through the government’s enrolment drive.
Alausa explained that a hybrid curriculum combining Quranic education with literacy, numeracy, and civic education has been introduced to ensure better inclusion. He also highlighted the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Legacy Skills and Training Institute as a model centre designed to equip out-of-school youths with employable skills.
The Ondo State Governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, commended President Tinubu’s focus on education and human capital development, particularly the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, which has already supported over 624,000 students. He stressed the need to build a data-driven, innovative, and inclusive education system that restores dignity to the teaching profession.
Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, also reiterated the government’s commitment to global best practices, assuring that resolutions from the summit would be implemented to strengthen Nigeria’s education system. Ondo’s Commissioner for Education, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, further pledged the state’s alignment with federal reforms, emphasizing the role of digital tools in preparing learners for the modern economy.
With these renewed commitments, Nigeria aims to close the education gap, empower its youth, and ensure every child — regardless of background — has access to quality learning opportunities.
