10.5 Million Children out of School – Don

Deputy Vice Chancellor of University of Osun, Professor Siyan Oyeweso, has decried the level of education in Nigeria, saying 10.5 million Nigerian children are out of school.

Oyeweso spoke while at the launch of the maiden edition of Osun State Universal Basic Education Board, O’SUBEB news Magazine.

Oyeweso, who was the guest speaker at the occasion, proffered increased investment in vocational education as important.

“From statistics, we have over 10.5 million children out of school. This shows that we need to create more vocational schools,” he said.

He, however, condemned the taken over of educational system by the private schools.

Deputy governor of Osun state, who also doubles as the commissioner for education, Mrs Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori, said the state was ready to promote education as entrenched in its six point integral action.

Also speaking, Executive secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEB), Abuja, Dr. Dikko Suleiman, who was represented by Mr Baba Sali Song, emphasised the importance of vocational education in Nigeria.

While commenting on the standard of education in the state, he said, “Only Osun and Kano States have been providing free meal to primary school pupils in the country.

“Your various success stories which you have showcased in this publication, such as the award on ‘Opon-Imo. O’meals, students smart cards and a host of other developments, are shinning illustrations of the purpose of the magazine.”

In his welcome address, the executive chairman of SUBEB in the state, Prince Felix Awofisayo, promised that SUBEB would continue in its efforts to ensure the attainment of basic education for its entire citizenry.

“The launching of this news magazine will create value to promote moral standard in our schools, build pupils/students capacity to work on educational issues and publicise school projects with meaningful outcomes on society,” he added.