NMA Oyo Vice Chairman Calls for Action on Nigeria’s Out-of-School Children Crisis
Dr. Foluke Olaniyi-George, Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Oyo State Branch, has called for immediate action to address the alarming number of out-of-school children in Northern Nigeria, particularly girls. She made these comments on International Women’s Day (IWD), emphasizing that Northern Nigeria holds the highest percentage of out-of-school children worldwide, with the majority being female.
Highlighting the Impact of Education
Dr. Olaniyi-George made these remarks during a courtesy visit and the presentation of the Sir Ahmadu Bello Sarduna Distinguished Merit Award by the National Association of Northern Nigerian Students (NANNS) in Ibadan. She stressed that the issue of out-of-school children, particularly girls, poses a grave threat to Nigeria’s future, and addressing this issue is crucial for the country’s well-being.
She noted, “If you have an educated mother, it’s likely her children will also receive education, and potentially go further. We need a shift in mindset to ensure that every child, especially girls, have access to education.”
The Importance of Education for Girls
Dr. Olaniyi-George further emphasized the link between education and improved outcomes for communities. She encouraged the students and policymakers to focus on creating policies that improve the education system, particularly for girls in the North. She also pointed out the negative consequences of prolonged school closures, like those during Ramadan, which often lead to abuse and early marriages that prevent girls from returning to school.
“Education is like a key that opens the door to a better future,” she said, urging the public to prioritize sending children to school to break the cycle of underdevelopment in the region.
Mentorship and Unity Among Nigerian Youth
In his remarks, Mr. Abdulrahman Ibrahim, National President of NANNS, explained that the award given to Dr. Olaniyi-George aimed to promote mentorship programs across various fields, including medicine, and foster collaboration between Nigerian youth from different regions. He emphasized the importance of unity in addressing national challenges.
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