FG’s out-of-school programme impossible, tackle security first- Gov Bello

The Governor of Niger state, Abubakar Bello, has called the Federal Government’s programme to reduce the number of out-of-school children in the country a futile effort, if security is not tackled first.

Bello said this on Monday during the flag off of the National Campaign of out-of-school children in the six geo-political zones.

He said the current high level of  insecurity in some states will make the programme fail as no parent will want their children to turn victims.

“Are we going to talk to schools or the victims who are fighting for their lives?” he wondered.

He said, “Unless these situations are tackled, this programme can’t work. If we can’t secure the lives and properties of our people, and ensure that they are safe in their homes and safe to go to school, then this will not work.

“Whatever is going to be done towards improving enrollment of children in schools, the security situation is to be tackled first”.

The Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, also affirmed that insecurity and the COVID-19 pandemic increased the number of out-of-school children in the country.