The Unity Schools Old Students Association (USOSA) on Friday called on states to collaborate in a bid to address the growing number of out-of-school children in the country. The association also reaffirmed its commitment to engaging stakeholders to improve the quality of education in Nigeria.
The President-General of USOSA, Michael Magaji, stated this during a news conference in Abuja on Friday, ahead of the association’s 43rd Plenary/Annual General Meeting.
Magaji stated that over the years, the association has actively contributed to the growth and development of education in the country.
He noted that USOSA has supported public schools by providing smart learning facilities, as a way of giving back to the nation, recognising that they have benefited from taxpayer-funded education.
The association has consistently engaged with the Federal Ministry of Education, offering policy support as part of our commitment to good governance and learning excellence.
“Most importantly, we are dedicated to nation-building. Nigeria is our country, and we are children of Nigeria, as that is how we were raised.
“We grew up in an environment that values Nigeria’s diversity and richness, and we will continue to promote those values. We are also calling on state governments to collaborate in addressing the issue of out-of-school children across the country”.
He stated that the AGM outcomes would be compiled into a position paper for submission to authorities as a policy to improve education.
Nigeria currently struggles with over 20,000 out-of-school children according to data by UNESCO.
Recently, the government promised that 11,000 out-of-school children in the Federal Capital Territory will be enrolled in schools.
The National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education in partnership with Commissioners of Education of some northern states, had earlier pledged to visit the six area councils in the nation’s capital, to identify and enroll not less than 10,000 out-of-school children.
