Poverty Fuels Dropouts, Educationist Urges FG to Intervene Now

In a passionate appeal to the Federal Government, educationist Alhaja Romoke Adedokun has urged immediate action to make education free at all levels, warning that the growing number of out of school children is spiraling into a national crisis.

Adedokun, Proprietress of Adedokun International Schools, made the call during the school’s valedictory ceremony for the graduating SS3 students in Iyana-Iyesi, Ogun State. The graduation, themed “Unbound Class of 2025,” became a powerful platform for highlighting Nigeria’s deepening education challenges.

According to her, poverty and parents’ inability to afford even basic school materials remain the biggest drivers of Nigeria’s out of school population a figure that has soared to 18.3 million, according to recent reports.

“The government must return to the era when it provided essentials like uniforms, textbooks, chairs, and meals. These were once the pillars of basic education in Nigeria,” she stated.

Adedokun called for the reintroduction of free feeding in universities, a throwback to a time when student welfare was a national priority. “If children are given access to free learning and essentials, we will see fewer of them on the streets,” she added.

She cautioned that the push for modernisation must not overshadow the government’s core duty investing in education. “We cannot sacrifice our children’s future in the name of progress,” she warned.

Commending the current Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, for championing technical and vocational training, Adedokun stressed that such skills are key to national development. “Look at the world’s leading economies they embraced technical education early. Nigeria must follow suit.”

She also advocated for a significant boost in the education budget to improve both quality and accessibility across all levels.

In his remarks, the school’s Chairman, Mr. Niyi Adedokun, charged parents to push their children toward academic excellence. “Aim for first class degrees,” he advised. “That’s what opens doors to scholarships and top tier job offers.”

Meanwhile, the school Principal, Dr. Mike Fatukasi, praised the 92 graduating students for their resilience and determination through challenging academic years. He urged them to become catalysts for change and use their education as a tool to transform Nigeria and beyond.

Our correspondent reports that the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) recently revealed that Nigeria has the highest number of out of school children globally, with over 18 million young minds left behind.