President Bola Tinubu has once again promised to tackle Nigeria’s dire education Crisis, another familiar promise, . Speaking during a dialogue with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palais des Élysée in France, Tinubu pledged to reduce Nigeria’s staggering number of out-of-school children through “innovative initiatives.” He painted a picture of classrooms filling up again and skills-development programmes bridging the gaps for those who have missed years of education. But will these promises materialize, or is this yet another instance of political rhetoric?
Tinubu, accompanied by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, stressed that Nigeria’s progress depends on an educated populace. In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu declared: “In order to bridge the gap for those who are older and have been out of school for a while, we will encourage skills development.”
He acknowledged that insecurity has played a significant role in keeping children out of school, adding, “We are gradually re-populating classrooms, and we need skills development to bridge the gaps.”
Nigeria, with its staggering 18.3 million out-of-school children, one of the highest globally according to a May 2024 UNICEF report, faces a familiar battle. The problem is most severe in northern states like Kano, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Yobe, where out-of-school rates exceed 60%. Economic hardship, cultural barriers, and a lack of infrastructure compound the problem. Add to this the persistent threats of terrorism, kidnappings, and attacks on schools, and the outlook is not even funny.
Tinubu’s optimism, while commendable, feels too familiar. His remark that “no child should go to bed hungry in the 21st century” comes across as aspirational, yet disconnected from the realities on the ground. In a nation where even basic educational infrastructure is lacking, how does the government plan to deliver on such big goals? What about the safety of children in regions where attending school has become a life-threatening act?
French President Emmanuel Macron, ever the diplomat, praised Nigeria’s growth potential and highlighted the importance of investing in education. He nostalgically recalled his six-month internship at the French Embassy in Nigeria, during which he visited Lagos and Kano states.
Despite Tinubu’s assurances, the doubt is hard to shake. Nigeria’s leaders have a history of grand promises with little follow-through, especially in sectors as crucial as education. While it’s easy to talk about “innovative initiatives” on an international stage, the reality for millions of Nigerian children remains bleak.
