Out-of-School Children: A Security Threat in Nigeria

The article highlights the significant issue of out-of-school children in Nigeria and its implications for national security. It notes that the rise in the number of school-age children not attending school is not merely an educational concern but a fundamental security issue.

The article points out that children who lack education are more susceptible to recruitment by criminal networks and extremist groups, which destabilizes communities and undermines state authority. According to UNICEF, Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children globally, with northern states bearing the greatest burden.

Although the federal government has initiated programs like the Universal Basic Education Program and school feeding schemes, the persistent scale of the problem necessitates coordinated and sustained action. The article argues for a multi-dimensional approach to education policy that aligns with national security strategies, emphasizing the need for inter-ministerial collaboration to prioritize the education of school children as a security metric.