Senate President Godswill Akpabio has revealed that Nigeria is home to at least 20 million out-of-school children, labeling them as potential bandits and a significant threat to national security. His remarks came during a plenary session on Wednesday, where he emphasized the urgent need to address the growing crisis of educational neglect.
The discussion was prompted by a report from the Senate Committee on Education, presented by its chairman, Senator Usman Lawal Adamu (Kaduna Central). Akpabio described the situation as a "time bomb" that could have dire consequences for the country. "These children are a major danger," he stated, linking their lack of education to the rising insecurity in Nigeria.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin echoed Akpabio's concerns, calling the issue a "serious problem" that requires immediate attention. He warned that if left unaddressed, the situation could escalate, particularly affecting the northern regions of the country. Jibrin stressed the need for a collective effort, saying that solutions must extend beyond the federal government to involve all tiers of governance and community engagement.
Senator Simon Lalong (APC, Plateau South) urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to compel state governors to take action, especially given the substantial funds allocated to them for educational initiatives. Similarly, Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East) called for state governors to convene discussions to formulate strategies to tackle the crisis.
Senator Sani Bello (Niger North) highlighted the tragic consequences of the issue, noting that children in Niger State have died from snake bites due to inadequate school facilities. He recalled his administration's investment in improving school infrastructure during his governorship.
In response to the extensive debate, Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West) proposed a national summit to address the crisis. The motion was seconded by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin.
Senate President Akpabio confirmed that the summit would include various stakeholders, including representatives from federal, state, and local governments, as well as civil society organizations.