United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has expressed concern that a significant number of children in Bauchi State are unable to access their fundamental rights of reaching their full potential, thereby robbing them of their dreams and aspirations in life.
The agency said quality education, especially at basic level, plays a vital role in the development of any country, as it is integral to socioeconomic development and that “no nation can rise above its educational level.”
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The UNICEF chief of field office, Mr Tushar Rane, at a media dialogue on Out-of-School Children (OOSC) held in Misau yesterday, therefore, appreciated the state government for its partnership with UNICEF to improve education outcomes in the state.
He said despite the importance of education, at least, over 10 million school-aged children in Nigeria are out of school, and described this as a major challenge to development.
Rane said, “As we gather to brainstorm on one of the most critical challenges facing our dear state, Bauchi – the issue of school age children who are not in school. I appreciate the government of Bauchi State for the partnership with UNICEF to improve the education outcomes in the state.
“Education plays a vital role in the development of any country. Quality education, especially at the basic level, is integral to socio-economic development; no nation can rise above its educational level.
“At UNICEF, we are committed to improving the lives of children and women in Nigeria, especially in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); and the Education for All (EFA) goals of educating all children at all levels and in all groups,” he said.
He further said that they would work with the government to enhance planning for improved delivery of education, adding that they would also support the government to remove systemic barriers that impede children’s access to quality education.
He said their work with the government is further enhanced through collaboration with traditional leaders, civil society organisations, faith-based organisations, communities, and other development partners to find solutions that will result in getting the out-of-school children back to school.
He said the media dialogue will be a platform for open and constructive discussions on the root causes of the issue of out-of-school-children, the challenges hindering school-aged children’s access to education, and most importantly, the potential solutions that they can collectively work towards in Bauchi State.
“My media colleagues, you are the drivers of social discourse! I encourage us to let the discussions from this media dialogue motivate us, to amplify the voices of out-of-school-children, advocate for change, and to reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind.
“We all have roles to play in ensuring children of school age in Bauchi State are enrolled into school at the right age. By working hand in hand, we can pave the way for a brighter and more inclusive future for children in Bauchi and beyond.
“I commend all of you for your support to the cause of advancing child rights concerns in Nigeria and I reiterate our commitment to strengthening the partnership with you to ensure that all school age children in Nigeria, including those in Bauchi State, fulfil their right to quality education,” Rane said.
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