Published on 29/11/2024
Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has outlined plans to significantly reduce the number of out-of-school children through innovative return-to-class initiatives and skills development programmes.
President Tinubu disclosed his plans during a dialogue with French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday, at the Palais des Élysée, Paris.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to prioritising education for Nigerian children, the Nigerian leader, who was accompanied by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, highlighted the ongoing government’s efforts to create a supportive framework that ensures school-age children re-enter classrooms, emphasising the role of motivation and skill acquisition in the initiative.
“In order to bridge the gap for some who are of age, and have been out of school for a while, we will encourage skills development,” President Tinubu stated.
Presidential Spokesperson, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, in a statement issued on President Tinubu’s dialogue with French President Macron, also disclosed that the Nigerian President, Tinubu, stressed to President Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron that Nigeria’s developmental potential hinges on a well-educated populace.
“The insecurity in some parts of the country makes it hard for children to return to school, but we are gradually re-populating the classrooms. And we need skills development to bridge the gaps,” the president said.
Enhancing Security
President Tinubu highlighted the notable progress in enhancing security across Nigeria, he identified “kinetic” strategies as part of the peace-building process.
“With some more efforts, we will be able to get some level of stability. We had very good harvest this year. And as soon as more farmers can go back to the farm, we will have more stability in harvest and supply,” he said.
Responding, President Macron acknowledged Nigeria’s vast growth potential and the importance of investing in educational initiatives.
He reflected on his formative experiences during a six-month internship at the French Embassy in Nigeria, including visits to Lagos and Kano.
President Macron and Brigitte Macron expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and Senator Oluremi Tinubu for their state visit, promising to elevate the France-Nigeria partnership to new heights.
