Nigeria's 18.3m Out-of-School Children Estimate Under Fresh Scrutiny

The Nigerian government's claim that 18.3 million children are out of school is facing fresh scrutiny. This estimate, which has been cited by international organizations like UNICEF, may not be as accurate as previously thought. A nationwide data mapping exercise by the Federal Ministry of Education has produced preliminary findings that differ sharply from earlier global estimates.

You might have heard that Nigeria has a huge problem with out-of-school children, but the exact number has been hard to pin down. That's because the last reliable data was from 2010. Since then, the government has been using an estimate of 18.3 million, which was provided by UNICEF. But Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, says this number may not be entirely accurate.

The data-mapping initiative, which involves geo-tagging and physically locating children outside the school system, aims to generate a more accurate and real-time national education database. In Kaduna State, one of the locations covered in the initial phase, officials say about 700,000 out-of-school children were identified, compared to the 1.8 million previously cited in UNICEF data.

Dr. Alausa says the exercise is revealing significant gaps in outdated data that have remained largely unchanged for years. "What we are doing for the first time at this scale is a proper, state-by-state geo-mapping of out-of-school children," he said in an interview on Channels TV. "What we are seeing on the ground is significantly different from the static figures that have been repeated over time, and it is important that policy is driven by current, verifiable data rather than estimates that have not been updated."

Background on Out-of-School Children in Nigeria

Nigeria has long struggled with a high number of out-of-school children. The issue is attributed to various factors, including poverty, lack of access to education, and cultural norms. In some parts of the country, especially in the north, there are concerns about the safety of children in schools, which has led to many parents keeping their children at home.

The problem of out-of-school children is not only a humanitarian issue but also an economic one. Education is key to breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering individuals to contribute to the economy. The Nigerian government has been working to address this issue through various initiatives, including the data-mapping exercise.

The data-mapping exercise is a significant step towards addressing the issue of out-of-school children. By having accurate data, the government can design targeted interventions to reach the children who need them most.

Government Interventions

The government has already recorded measurable progress in its efforts to get more children into school. In the last 30 months, over 1 million children have returned to classrooms. The government is also introducing new interventions to reduce the number of out-of-school children, including partnerships with private schools under a per-child funding arrangement to absorb affected pupils.

A national school feeding programme is also being developed to boost enrolment and retention, particularly in low-income and underserved communities. Several states, including Kaduna, Lagos, Borno, and Katsina, have recently increased investments in school infrastructure and access programmes as part of wider reforms.

What's Next?

The data-mapping exercise is being expanded nationwide in collaboration with development partners, including the World Bank, to cover all 36 states and produce a unified national dataset. The minister explained that the exercise is not an academic one but operational, aimed at locating children, understanding why they are out of school, and designing interventions specific to each community.

The federal education strategy is also tied to broader economic reforms aimed at repositioning Nigeria toward a knowledge-driven economy, with increased investment in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics across tertiary institutions.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the progress made, there are still significant challenges ahead. The issue of out-of-school children is complex and multifaceted, requiring a sustained effort from the government, development partners, and local communities.

"This exercise is not an academic one, it is operational. We are using it to locate children, understand why they are out of school, and design interventions that are specific to each community so that no child is left behind because of a lack of data or planning,"

• Dr. Tunji Alausa

Implications for Education Policy

The findings from the data-mapping exercise have significant implications for education policy in Nigeria. With accurate data, the government can design targeted interventions to address the root causes of out-of-school children. This could include investing in school infrastructure, teacher training, and community engagement.

The government's efforts to increase access to education are also critical in addressing the issue of out-of-school children. By providing more resources and support to schools, especially in underserved communities, the government can help ensure that every child has access to quality education.

Long-Term Impact

The long-term impact of the data-mapping exercise and the government's interventions will depend on sustained efforts and commitment. If successful, these efforts could lead to a significant reduction in the number of out-of-school children and an increase in access to quality education.

This, in turn, could have a positive impact on Nigeria's economic development and human capital. Education is key to empowering individuals and communities, and it is essential for Nigeria's growth and development.