FG Targets 15 Million Out-of-School Children for Education

The Federal Government of Nigeria is launching a nationwide initiative aimed at returning 15 million out-of-school children to learning. This effort is part of a data-driven reform strategy to tackle the educational crisis in Nigeria, focusing on improving access and learning outcomes.

During the 2026 Basic Education Bootcamp held in Plateau State, key stakeholders, including policymakers and educational partners, gathered to develop practical solutions. Dr.

Maruf Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, highlighted the importance of credible educational data for tracking learners and addressing long-standing challenges in the education sector. The initiative includes the expansion of the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS) to enable real-time tracking of learners.

The government plans to invest 106 billion naira in basic education and an additional 22 billion naira for teacher professional development. The bootcamp also aimed to identify strategies for reintegrating and retaining school children within the education system, emphasizing the urgency of addressing Nigeria's educational crisis.