The Chief Executive Officer of Human Capital Development Plus (HCD+) and former ECOWAS Vice Chair, Madam Finda Koroma, has highlighted Nigeria’s alarming position among the top 20 countries globally with the highest number of out-of-school children, particularly among females.
Speaking through Madam Margaret Omanibe, Head of Finance and Administration at HCD+, during a one-day workshop in Lafia, Koroma emphasized the critical need for concerted efforts to tackle the education challenges as a key component of human capital development.
The workshop, held at Taal Conference Hotel in collaboration with stakeholders such as the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad (Retired), and the Nasarawa State Government, underscored Nigeria’s commitment to advancing human capital development through education. Koroma stressed the Federal Government’s goal of reducing the number of out-of-school children by 70% by 2030, noting that addressing educational challenges is essential for positive outcomes in other sectors and the overall economy.
“Nigeria is among the world’s 20 nations with the highest number of out-of-school children, with more females affected than males. The Almajiri system, in particular, poses a significant concern, marginalizing children from mainstream education,” Koroma stated.
The workshop also shed light on the unique challenges faced by girls in accessing education. Koroma noted that gender disparities persist, with girls facing obstacles such as early marriage, household responsibilities, and cultural biases. She emphasized that ensuring girls’ access to education is crucial not only for their empowerment but also for broader socioeconomic development.
Koroma called on all stakeholders to contribute towards developing a comprehensive Education and Skills Development Advocacy Strategy. “Together, let us chart a course towards a brighter, more prosperous future for human capital development in Nigeria,” she urged, expressing gratitude to the Nasarawa State Government and traditional rulers for their support.
In his welcome address, the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, represented by the Focal Person for Nasarawa State Human Capital Development, Madam Habiba Suleiman, reiterated the state’s commitment to human capital development, as outlined in the Nasarawa Economic Development Strategy (NEDS) document. She stressed the urgency of addressing the issue of out-of-school children, particularly girls, describing it as “a ticking time bomb that needs to be defused.”
Madam Suleiman emphasized the importance of providing both formal education and skills training to ensure these children can contribute meaningfully to society.
Representing the Emir of Lafia, the Ubangari Lafia, Usman Isah Baba, expressed full support for the initiative during a courtesy visit, highlighting the Emir’s concern about the issue of out-of-school children, especially girls.
Mrs. Maryam Uwais, the Lead Education Advocacy Consultant for the Design of Strategy, focused on the importance of placing the girl child at the center of these efforts. She called for a comprehensive approach to reforming education, including curriculum reform and continuous professional development for educators. Uwais also emphasized the need for vocational and technical training, particularly in agriculture and digital skills, to empower young girls to become self-reliant.
Mrs. Busayo Raymond Ayinde of the Federal Ministry of Education’s Basic Department praised the initiative, calling it a “game-changer” for Nigeria. She expressed confidence that the program could significantly reduce the number of out-of-school children, particularly among girls, and play a crucial role in eradicating poverty and reintegrating these children into society.
