UBEC Advocates Open Schooling to Tackle Out-of-School Children Syndrome
Speaking at a meeting with chairmen and directors of social mobilization of State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) in Abuja, Dr. Bobboyi underscored the importance of exploring new approaches to address the growing number of out-of-school children. He highlighted the need for effective collaboration with SUBEBs to ensure the successful rollout of the open schooling program nationwide.
AKACHI NOEL 
The Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, has advocated for the deployment of open schooling as a means to tackle the challenge of out-of-school children in Nigeria. Dr. Bobboyi emphasized that open schooling could effectively reach a large number of learners while overcoming the barriers imposed by space and time.
Nigeria currently grapples with over 10.2 million school-aged children who are out of school, exacerbated by prevailing insecurity across various parts of the country. In response to this crisis, UBEC introduced the open schooling program to enhance enrollment, retention, and completion of Universal Basic Education (UBE) programs for out-of-school children. This flexible education system allows participants to learn remotely in an informal manner.
READ ALSO:McPherson University Advocates Collective Vigilance Against Insecurity
Speaking at a meeting with chairmen and directors of social mobilization of State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) in Abuja, Dr. Bobboyi underscored the importance of exploring new approaches to address the growing number of out-of-school children. He highlighted the need for effective collaboration with SUBEBs to ensure the successful rollout of the open schooling program nationwide.
Dr. Bobboyi acknowledged the pivotal role of SUBEBs in the implementation of the open schooling program. He outlined various responsibilities for SUBEBs, including identifying out-of-school children, appointing and deploying center managers and facilitators, providing adequate security for open schooling facilities, and engaging communities to encourage enrollment.
In response to Dr. Bobboyi's vision, the acting director of social mobilization, Dr. Ossom Ossom, commended the Executive Secretary for his commitment to improving basic education in Nigeria. He emphasized the importance of exploring alternative means to ensure that all Nigerian children have access to quality education.
Similarly, the Dean of SUBEB chairmen, Prof. Shehu Adaramaja, expressed the states' commitment to embracing the open schooling initiative. He urged the government to consider expanding the program to reach more states across the country, underscoring the importance of inclusive education for national development.
The meeting concluded with a call to action for collective dedication and passion in implementing the open schooling program. Dr. Bobboyi emphasized the significance of empowering every child with the gift of education, thereby fostering a brighter future for the nation.
