By Ighomuaye Lucky. O
Member representing Esan Central Constituency in the Edo State Youth Parliament and Campaign Coordinator, National Dropout Prevention Campaign 2024, Hon. Ogbidi Peace, said the recent statistics showing Nigeria as one of the countries with the highest dropout rates in Sub-Saharan Africa, millions of children and young adults leaving school before completing their education, is mind blowing, disheartening and that something urgently must be done to stem the ugly tide.
He disclosed this while speaking to Journalists on the ongoing two weeks long event for the National Dropout Prevention Campaign.
Ogbidi said the theme for this year’s campaign, “Empowering Futures” highlights the importance of investing in the future of our youth by ensuring they remain in school and are equipped to thrive.
Ogbidi said the aim of the National Dropout Prevention Campaign is to raise awareness, provide solutions, and implement strategies to reduce these alarming numbers.
He said the campaign focuses on three main pillars: Awareness: Educating communities about the importance of education and the long-term consequences of dropping out, Advocacy: Engaging stakeholders such as parents, teachers, government bodies, and NGOs to create policies and programmes that keep children in school, Action: Implementing community-driven solutions, such as financial assistance, mentoring programmes and vocational training to support at-risk students.
He listed insecurity, poverty, economic hardship, cultural and gender norms, poor infrastructure and resources, government policy and corruption as some of the challenges aiding school dropout that should be quickly looked into and addressed.
He maintained that education is a critical tool for breaking the cycle of poverty and that when children drop out of school, they are more likely to face low income and unemployment.
The Campaign Coordinator, National Dropout Prevention Campaign 2024, said that without education, individuals face limited job opportunities and are more likely to remain trapped in low-paying, informal jobs and which can thereby reduce their earning potential and contribute to the overall poverty levels.
The Honourable member representing Esan Central Constituency in the Edo State Youth Parliament, further tasked the federal government and other well meaning Nigerians to join hands to address the current ugly trend.
