FG Vows to Address Out-of-School Children Menace by 2027

• Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman, affirms the commitment to return over 15 million out-of-school children to classrooms by 2027
• Plans outlined for the implementation of robust policies, reintroduction of school feeding, and addressing tertiary institutions’ autonomy and salaries

The Federal Government has affirmed its dedication to returning over 15 million out-of-school children to classrooms by 2027. The commitment was disclosed by the Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman, during a One-Day Retreat on Quick Wins in the Ministerial Deliverables (2023-2027) in Abuja.

Minister Mamman stressed the urgency of addressing the out-of-school children menace, emphasizing that implementing robust policies was essential. He stated, “The Federal Ministry of Education has further distilled the implementation of the ministerial deliverables to a more detailed implementation with turn-around strategies that will be measurable and capable of providing visible results.”

In alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment, Mamman outlined plans to work towards returning 15 million out-of-school children to classrooms by 2027. He also highlighted President Tinubu’s approval of the reintroduction and implementation of school feeding across basic educational levels.

Addressing the removal of tertiary institutions from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), Mamman emphasized the need for autonomy. The ministry aims to collaborate with the Minister of Finance/Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation for a seamless implementation.

Commending tertiary institutions-based unions for their understanding, Mamman cited resolutions, including a 35% increase in salaries, four months’ payment for the eight months of strike in 2022, removal from IPPIS, and granting autonomy for recruitment.

In line with President Tinubu’s directive, the ministry has taken over sites for the establishment of Federal Colleges of Education in Ilawe Ekiti (Ekiti State), Ididep (Ibiono, Akwa Ibom State), and Yauri (Kebbi State), with academic activities set to commence in 2024.

Additionally, the ministry has revised the National Teacher Education Policy (NTEP) to guide teacher education and development. The draft document is slated for validation by stakeholders in early 2024 for implementation.