FG In Fresh Move To Curb Out-Of-School Children Crisis

The Federal Government has announced sweeping reforms aimed at tackling the menace of out-of-school children and repositioning the education sector for better outcomes.

Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, disclosed the plans while briefing senior journalists in Abuja.

He said the measures are designed to address critical challenges, including the rising number of out-of-school children, weak technical training, poor infrastructure, outdated curricula, and low teacher capacity.

According to him, a key part of the initiative is the launch of the Basic Education Transformation Agenda (BETA), which seeks to accelerate enrollment and improve learning standards nationwide. 

He said the scheme would be implemented in partnership with the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education and would provide free enrollment during official handovers. 

“Conditional cash transfers to mothers and a Back2School Drive are also part of the package to encourage attendance.”

The minister said the basic education curriculum has been revised to meet 21st-century realities, focusing on critical thinking, digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and civic responsibility. 

“Another major highlight is the overhaul of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), with President Bola Tinubu approving N120 billion to fund the reforms.”

Starting from the 2025/2026 academic session, Alausa said students in federal and state technical colleges will enjoy free tuition, feeding, boarding, uniforms, and protective gear, in addition to getting N22,500 monthly stipend. 

“The training model will be 80 per cent practical and 20 per cent theoretical, with certified trainers and strong industry linkages through internships.”

The minister said the target is to train five million youths in four years. 

On funding support, the minister revealed that scholarship grants for PhD, Master’s and undergraduate students have been increased by 50 per cent, now pegged at N750,000, N600,000, and N450,000 respectively.