In a concerted effort to address Nigeria’s out-of-school children crisis, Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, presented the government’s financial strategies to the House of Representatives Committee on Alternate Education. Accompanied by Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Mr. Edun detailed a series of initiatives aimed at improving educational access and quality.

During the session, Mr. Edun reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening education through a range of targeted programs. Key among these is the Secretariat for Financing Safe Schools, established in January 2022 as a result of a 2021 high-level forum. This initiative focuses on implementing a comprehensive national plan to enhance school security from 2023 to 2026, combining security measures with community-based efforts to protect students.

Additionally, Mr. Edun announced the relaunch of the Home-Grown School Feeding Program. This initiative is designed to boost school attendance by providing meals to students, thereby improving their health and well-being while incentivizing their continued enrollment.

Addressing broader economic implications, Mr. Edun highlighted the government’s strategic approach under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. He expressed optimism that these educational initiatives would positively affect the national budget by ensuring adequate resources for the sustainability of educational programs.

With these renewed efforts, Nigeria is set to see a notable reduction in the number of out-of-school children. The government’s innovative approaches, including the Secretariat for Financing Safe Schools and the Home-Grown School Feeding Program, reflect a strong commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and securing a brighter future for the nation’s youth.

Signed, Mohammed Manga, FCAI
Director, Information and Public Relations
August 22, 2024