ActionAid Nigeria has accused the government of neglecting its commitment to provide free education for the first nine years of schooling, highlighting a significant educational exclusion among poor children.
In a statement released on Monday, Andrew Mamedu, Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, criticized the government’s inadequate resources, poor infrastructure, and lack of transparency in public fund allocation. He called for immediate action to address these issues and ensure educational inclusion for all children, particularly those from impoverished backgrounds.
Mamedu emphasized the disparity in education completion rates, citing UNICEF data that shows only 34% of children from the poorest families complete primary education compared to 97% from the wealthiest families. He also noted ethnic disparities in educational attainment, with children from Fulani and Kanuri backgrounds facing lower completion rates.
“Education is key to breaking the cycle of poverty, and it is the government’s responsibility to ensure that all children have access to quality education,” Mamedu asserted.
ActionAid demands the government:
- Effectively implement the policy of free education for the first nine years of schooling.
- Improve coordination between federal and state governments.
- Increase transparency in the allocation and use of public funds for education.
- Allocate sufficient funds for infrastructure development to create a supportive learning environment.
Mamedu concluded, “It’s time for the government to step up and fulfill its responsibility to provide a decent education for all, without excuses or exceptions.”
