The Federal Government of Nigeria has stated that the rising numbers of out-of-school children in the country is unacceptable and must be tackled as soon as possible.

Minister of Education, Alhaji Adamu Adamu on Thursday, August 12, said the situation has become more worrisome, going by a United Nations Children Education Fund (UNICEF) survey which reports that Nigeria ranks top among countries with out-of-school children.

Adamu speaking at the ongoing 65th National Council on Education (NCE) meeting in Jalingo with the theme “Eradicating out-of-school children phenomenon: A tool for the achievement of education 2030 agenda” said what frightens him was that one out of every five out-of-school children in the world was a Nigerian.

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‘Coincidentally, the recent occurrences in the country’s education system such as kidnappings of pupils/students, increased insurgence and general insecurity in schools have added to some of the factors responsible for this,’ he said.

‘Other fundamental factors are cultural and religious beliefs, poverty and political will.

‘For the government and stakeholders to record a landmark achievement, the education system would require a total overhaul in the provision of a safe and secured environment for learners and teachers among others,’ he stated.

Represented by Mr Chukwuemeka Nwajiwuba, Adamu said the Federal Government had launched Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA) administered in 17 states of the federation to tackle the menace.