Out-of-school children: Yobe must sit-up

The rising number of out-of-school children in Yobe state is a ticking time bomb that demands urgent government intervention. Despite various education policies and interventions, the streets of Yobe remain flooded with children who are supposed to be in school. These children, often left to fend for themselves, become vulnerable to social vices, child labour, and other dangers that could hinder the state’s progress.  

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), over 427,230 children in Yobe state are out of school, representing 43 percent of the child population. This alarming figure raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of the state’s educational policies. If the government does not act swiftly, the future of these children—and by extension, the future of the state—will remain uncertain.  

One key question that arises is whether the Yobe state government is truly aware of the gravity of this crisis. In his 2019 inaugural speech, Governor Mai Mala Buni declared a state of emergency in the education sector, a move that was widely welcomed. However, five years down the line, the out-of-school crisis remains unresolved. Was the declaration merely a political statement, or was it meant to tackle the root causes of the problem?  

One of the major contributors to this challenge is poverty. Many parents in Yobe state struggle to make ends meet and cannot afford to send their children to school. In some cases, even when education is free, families still find it difficult to provide basic school supplies, uniforms, and transportation for their children. This economic hardship forces many children to engage in street hawking and begging instead of sitting in classrooms.  

Cultural and religious beliefs also play a role in the rising number of out-of-school children. In some communities, parents prioritise Islamic education over Western education, leading to a large number of almajiri children roaming the streets. While Islamic education is important, there is a need for a balanced approach that ensures these children receive both religious and formal education.  

The dilapidated state of many public schools in Yobe further worsens the situation. Reports have emerged that some boarding schools in the state are struggling with a lack of food, forcing students to leave school to find meals at home. If students in school are not properly fed, how can those still on the streets be encouraged to enrol? The government must ensure that schools have adequate facilities and resources to retain students and provide quality education.  

Beyond infrastructure, there is also a serious shortage of qualified teachers in the state. In some areas, schools are operating with just a single teacher managing multiple classes. For instance, in Nangere local government area, schools such as Biriri, Dugum, and Amayi Primary Schools each have only one teacher controlling the entire school. This raises a critical question: is Yobe state truly ready to revamp its education sector under such conditions? How can one teacher effectively educate and manage an entire school? The situation is not only discouraging for pupils but also undermines any efforts to improve education quality in the state.  

The issue of teacher welfare has further compounded the crisis. Recently, primary school teachers in the state protested over the government’s failure to implement the new minimum wage of N70,000. Many teachers have long endured poor salaries and delayed payments, making the teaching profession unattractive. When those responsible for shaping the future of children are neglected, how can quality education be achieved? The government must prioritise teachers’ welfare by ensuring timely salary payments, incentives, and better working conditions to retain and motivate educators.  

Of course, security concerns have also contributed to the education crisis in Yobe state. The lingering effects of insurgency in the northeast have left many communities devastated, with schools destroyed and teachers displaced. Fear of attacks has discouraged parents from sending their children to school, especially in rural areas. While some progress has been made in restoring peace, there is still much work to be done in rebuilding schools and regaining public confidence in the safety of education.  

The importance of community involvement in addressing this crisis cannot be overlooked. Parents, traditional rulers, and religious leaders must work together to sensitise communities on the value of education. Many parents who resist sending their children to school do so due to misconceptions about Western education. A well-coordinated awareness campaign could help change this mindset.  

The government must also strengthen its school feeding programme. Studies have shown that providing free meals in schools significantly increases enrolment and retention rates. If children are assured of at least one meal a day in school, more parents will be encouraged to enrol them. Proper monitoring and transparency in the distribution of school feeding resources are necessary to ensure the programme achieves its desired results.  

Furthermore, policies that promote compulsory and free basic education must be strictly enforced. It is not enough to declare education free on paper; the government must ensure that all hidden costs are eliminated, and defaulters—whether parents or school administrators—are held accountable. A legal framework should be put in place to mandate school enrolment for all children within the school-age bracket.  

The Yobe state government must take decisive action before the situation worsens. The future of the state depends on the education of its children. If nothing is done now, Yobe risks raising a generation of uneducated youths who may become a burden rather than a productive force in society.  

It is high time all stakeholders put their hands on deck to reduce and eventually eliminate the number of out-of-school children in Yobe. Education is a fundamental right, and every child deserves the opportunity to learn. Yobe must wake up from its deep slumber and take bold steps to secure the future of its children.