Prosper Okoye
Millions of Nigerian children are still not attending school, a child-focused organisation has regretted, as the world marks International Education Day.
Saffron Social Development Global Foundation said large numbers of children — especially those from poor and vulnerable backgrounds — continue to be denied access to safe and inclusive education across the country.
In a statement released on Friday, the organisation’s Global Director, Opeyemi Ebulu-Eyuruntari, said poverty, displacement, child labour and abuse were among the main factors keeping children out of classrooms.
“Education remains the most powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty and exclusion, yet for millions of Nigerian children it remains out of reach,” she said.
The foundation said many children face unsafe learning environments, discrimination and lack of support, making it difficult for them not only to enrol in school but also to stay there.
It opined that schools should do more than provide lessons as children need learning spaces that are protective, nurturing and inclusive.
Child-centred education
The group contended, “When education is child-centred and supportive, vulnerable children are protected from marginalization.
“They are also better equipped to become productive members of society,” the organisation said.
It called on federal and state governments to strengthen child-protection policies in schools and expand access to inclusive education, especially in underserved communities.
The group also urged schools to adopt child-friendly and non-discriminatory practices, while appealing to parents and communities to prioritise education and protect children from exploitation.
In a remark, Chief ‘Aare’ Oluwasegun Oyedijo, the organisation’s Nigeria’s Country Director, said safeguarding children remained one of its top priorities.
“Through advocacy, community engagement and partnerships, we continue to work towards a future where every child, regardless of background, has access to quality education in a safe and supportive environment,” he said.
Nigeria has one of the highest numbers of out-of-school children in the world, according to international development agencies, with conflict, poverty and weak infrastructure worsening the problem.
As International Education Day is observed globally, Saffron Social Development Global Foundation said renewed investment in child-focused education was critical to the country’s future.
“Education that safeguards today builds a stronger and more inclusive Nigeria tomorrow,” the group said.
