Kehinde Fajobi
Senate President Godswill Akpabio warned that the growing number of out-of-school children in Nigeria poses a serious threat to national security.
Speaking during plenary on Wednesday, Akpabio described the estimated 20 million children not in school as a “timebomb” for the country, adding, “They are potential bandits; they are a major danger. This is the cause of insecurity in the country.”
The statement followed a report presented by the Senate Committee on Education, led by Senator Usman Lawal Adamu (Kaduna Central), which highlighted the urgent need to address the issue.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin echoed Akpabio’s concerns, emphasising that the problem, particularly severe in northern Nigeria, must not be ignored.
“It is a serious problem. If left unattended, it is a kind of timebomb, and once it explodes, it will consume us.”
Senator Simon Lalong (Plateau South) urged President Bola Tinubu to compel state governors to act, given the significant funds allocated to them, while Senator Sani Musa (Niger East) called for a roundtable discussion among governors to tackle the issue.
Senator Sani Bello (Niger North) lamented that poor school infrastructure, including the lack of toilet facilities, had led to children being bitten by snakes in his state.
In response to the debate, Senator Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West) moved for a national summit on the out-of-school children crisis, which was seconded by Barau Jibrin.
Akpabio confirmed that the summit would involve stakeholders from various levels of government, civil society, and other organisations to find solutions to the growing issue.