The Adamawa State Government has warned that the prevalence of out-of-school children poses a societal risk, noting that street children could easily become a burden to the community.
The state Commissioner of Education, Dr Garba Pella, made the assertion on Monday in Yola, emphasising that the government prioritises education delivery to ensure that every school-age child is enrolled, arguing that the cost of educating children is insignificant compared with the potentially immeasurable harm caused by illiteracy and anti-social behaviour.
Addressing journalists as part of activities marking this year’s International Day for Education, the commissioner said, “Education arms our children against poverty. More importantly, every child must learn something. If you don’t get them into school for progressive ideas, they get into the street and possibly learn bad manners and become a curse to society.”
Emphasising that an out-of-school child is a potential burden, he announced that by next month, 5,000 teachers currently undergoing recruitment would have been duly employed and posted to classrooms.
He noted that these new teachers would complement the 2,000 employed in 2022 under the administration of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, improving access to quality education for children.
On efforts to improve outcomes in the traditional Islamic education system, known as Tsangaya, Pella said the Adamawa State Government encountered challenges in fully converting Tsangaya schools to western-style education.
“We are making progress in integrating western education in the Tsangaya system, first by getting English and Mathematics taught in such schools,” he said.
Out-of-school children could become curse to society – Adamawa Govt warns
Out-of-school children could become curse to society – Adamawa Govt warns
