IA-Foundation Tasks Lagos State House of Assembly on Out-of-School Children Crisis
With 20.2 million out-of-school children, Nigeria ranks as the country with the second highest number of out-of-school children, with Pakistan and and India taking the first and third places respectively. However, in terms of concentration and comparison based on population ratio, Nigeria is the World’s Capital for out-of-school children.
Whether we like it or not, we are all in the consequences of the high rate of out-of-school children every day. Insecurity, poverty, low human capital, very low IGR, unemployment, the commodification of the girl-child, early child marriage, drug abuse, cultism, and high fertility rate leading to overpopulation among several others, are outcomes of the children that were neglected by the government, by us all, a few years ago.
As part of our Educational Advocacy, and Awareness Campaign, we stormed the streets of Lagos to demand for prioritization of education in the country. The walk, which lasted over 90 minutes, took off from the Ikeja under bridge to the Lagos State House of Assembly. Participants wore the IA-Foundation branded vest and face caps, carrying placards with different educational quotes, and sharing fliers to passersby, motorists. There were stops at strategic places such as Allen Avenue, Ikeja City Mall and close to the entrance gate of the Federal Ministry of Education.
Ten members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, mostly Chairman of different sub-committees came out to meet and addressed us. They expressed support for our cause and commended the Leadership of the Foundation. During our campaign, we asked for 7 things which are itemized below:
1. Increase the budgetary allocation to education to at least 15%
2. Make a legislation that penalizes parents, guardians, or caregivers who fail to send their wards to school.
3. Reduce the entry barriers into state owned schools. E.g delay in transiting from private primary school to government secondary schools, enrollment fees etc.
4. Build a digital database of out-of-school children in the state.
5. Open doors for partnerships with Civil Society Organizations, researchers and other education agencies to develop a strategic solution to end the menace.
6. Establish an out-of-school children commission
7. Invitation to the 2024 IA-Foundation Charity Ball at Civic Centre.
We have written to them and we are optimistic that the house will work on some of our request.
While on our way to the House of Assembly, we distributed fliers to individuals with details on how they can register an out-of-school child with IA-Foundation for possible bursary and sponsorship. You can visit www.ia-foundation.org click to register an out-of-school child.
I recall that we spotted a 12 year old boy who was selling handkerchiefs when his mates were in school. On behalf of IA-Foundation, I bought off all his handkerchiefs and followed him to his father around the Alausa secretariat. I
We plan to do more of this kind of campaign where pick children of school age from the street and work with relevant individuals and partners to put them back into the classroom where they belong.
We need to get some things right if the change we desire must happen. Therefore we must keep talking, engaging and advocating.
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