“I’m fixing out-of-school children crisis in Nigeria” – Tinubu tellls French President

On Wednesday, November 27, 2024, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu visited France, where he engaged in a significant meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. During their discussions, President Tinubu highlighted his administration’s commitment to addressing one of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges—its out-of-school children crisis.

Tinubu explained to President Macron that the Nigerian government is taking decisive steps to ensure that millions of children who have been left behind in education are brought back into the school system.

According to the latest estimates, Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children in the world, with over 20 million children not attending school. This alarming figure has been a long-standing issue exacerbated by insecurity, poverty, and inadequate infrastructure in various parts of the country.

In his address, Tinubu emphasized that his government is working on a multi-pronged approach to tackle the root causes of the crisis. This includes expanding access to education in underserved areas, improving the quality of education, and providing financial incentives to encourage families to send their children to school. He also pointed out that the government is enhancing security in regions affected by confl@ct, making it easier for children to attend school without fear for their safety.

Tinubu’s visit to France, which was part of a broader diplomatic mission to strengthen ties between Nigeria and France, also focused on other areas of cooperation. The two leaders discussed opportunities for French support in sectors such as infrastructure, technology, and education. Macron, who expressed admiration for Tinubu’s efforts to address the education crisis, pledged France’s continued collaboration with Nigeria, particularly in helping to build sustainable educational systems.

“We are committed to ensuring that every Nigerian child has access to quality education,” Tinubu said during the meeting. “We understand the long-term impact this will have on our nation’s future, and we are dedicated to overcoming the challenges that stand in the way.”