Tackling the Challenge of Out-of-School Children: Dr Idriss Elbulaturee takes the helm, by Abubakar Sadiq Jallaba
Education is a fundamental right for every child, regardless of their background or circumstances. Unfortunately, Nigeria faces a significant challenge with a staggering number of out-of-school children. According to UNESCO, approximately 20 million children aged 6 to 18 are not receiving education, while UBEC reports that over 10 million children aged 6 to 11 are out of school. This places Nigeria among the top three countries with the highest number of out-of-school children, alongside India and Pakistan.
However, with the recent appointment of Dr. Muhammad Sani Idriss as the Executive Secretary of the newly created commission for Almajiri and Out-of-school Children Education, hope has been rekindled. Dr. Idriss brings an impressive background in academia, having served as the Director General of Elkanemi College of Islamic Theology, renowned for being the best bilingual school in the northeastern subregion and arguably in Nigeria. He has also served as the chairman of the board for Arabic Village Ngala and Yobe State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education.
During his tenure as Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Idriss led efforts to integrate Almajiri education into the formal education system. His determination to succeed, education-friendly policies, and dedication to service make him the perfect fit for this position. His appointment is a testament to the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration’s recognition of exceptional qualities, experience, and expertise.
Under Dr. Idriss’ leadership, Yobe State recorded significant improvements in education. Seven mega schools and seven model schools were constructed and commissioned across key local government areas. Additionally, seven Girls Day Secondary schools were erected in various locations, a testament to his passion for girls’ education. His outstanding leadership also led to a gigantic improvement in students’ performance in the SSCE exams, prioritized teachers’ welfare, and implemented capacity-building initiatives.
I have no doubt that under Dr. Idriss’ able and esteemed leadership, remarkable progress will be made in addressing the challenges faced by Almajiris and out-of-school children in Nigeria. I eagerly look forward to witnessing the positive impact he will make.
Abubakar Sadiq Jallaba writes from Hausari Ward, Nguru, Yobe State.
