11 Million Children of School Age Are Roaming the Streets – FG

The Federal Government has declared that of the over 11 million children of school age are roaming the streets in the country. Of this figure, about nine million are Almajiris, children of fishermen and other disadvantaged parents; a trend which the government believes poses a threat to the security of the nation.

This information was made known by the Minster of State for Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike, in Benin. He said President Goodluck Jonathan had consequently directed that a special school be established in the South-East and South-South to cater for the educational needs of children who dropped out of school.

The minister pointed out that he was in Benin to request for the state government’s partnership in providing land for the school.

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He also made it clear that Basic Education fell within the purview of states and local government councils, and that because of the importance which the Federal Government attached to the sector, it had decided to complement the effort of states and local government councils in the provision of basic education.