By Aliu Akeem
FCT, Abuja – The Nigerian federal government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has unveiled a bold initiative to address the alarming number of out-of-school children, a crisis that UNICEF estimates at 18.3 million. At the core of this strategy is a conditional cash transfer program designed to incentivize education and provide financial relief to families struggling to send their children to school.
During the Education Sector Renewal Initiative (ESRI) 2024–2027 stakeholder dialogue held in Abuja on November 27, Education Minister Tunji Alausa emphasized the urgency of addressing systemic challenges.
These challenges include inadequate infrastructure, teacher capacity gaps, and a lack of reliable data. “The education sector is filled with numerous challenges,” he noted. “We are committed to providing quality education for all Nigerians, ensuring lifelong learning opportunities”.
Conditional Cash Transfers to Reduce School Dropouts
The government’s cash transfer initiative is designed to incentivize families to send their children to school, offering financial support that augments household income while prioritizing education. This program aligns with broader efforts to integrate out-of-school children and Almajiri populations into formal education systems.
Beyond financial aid, the government has announced complementary strategies, including school feeding programs and campaigns to promote social and behavioral change, particularly for girls and other vulnerable groups. These measures are integral to ensuring sustainable progress in Nigeria’s education sector.
Nigeria’s out-of-school children crisis is a multifaceted issue linked to poverty, cultural practices, and regional disparities. For instance, in northern Nigeria, societal norms and economic hardships often discourage formal education, especially for girls. The cash transfer program directly addresses these concerns by reducing the financial burden on families, thereby creating a supportive environment for education
The scope of the program reflects the magnitude of the crisis. UNICEF’s alarming report point out that Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children globally. Integrating these children into the educational system is seen as a critical step toward achieving equitable and inclusive education.
Experts have stressed the importance of ensuring that these funds reach the intended beneficiaries, emphasizing the need for robust accountability measures.
