Out-of-school children, major threat to Northern Nigeria — Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed deep concern about the rising number of out-of-school children in Northern Nigeria, warning that it presents a significant risk of breeding future insurgents, particularly for groups like Boko Haram.

Speaking at a commissioning event in Bauchi State, Obasanjo commended Governor Bala Mohammed for reducing the number of out-of-school children in the state from 1.5 million to about 800,000 since 2019. However, he stressed the need for collective action to prevent further escalation, noting that the situation could undermine national security if not addressed urgently. Governor Mohammed highlighted his administration’s efforts, which include collaboration with international development partners to further reduce the number of out-of-school children. Both leaders emphasized the importance of sustained and coordinated efforts to address this growing challenge.

Reference: TribuneOnline