VICE PRESIDENT SHETTIMA CALLS FOR ACTION OVER RISING OUT OF SCHOOL CHILDREN.

Vice President, Kashim Shettima said the rising number of out-of-school children in the country has become a national emergency, urging coordinated action from all levels of government and key stakeholders.
The Vice president at the 2025 Nigeria Education Forum in Abuja, organized by the Nigeria Governors Forum in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Education and other partners emphasized that government efforts alone cannot resolve the education crisis. He highlighted the need for better teacher training, welfare, and professional recognition, as well as expanded technical and vocational education to equip youth with market-ready skills.
Shettima noted that while federal allocations to education have increased—from N1.54 trillion in 2023 to N3.52 trillion in 2025—funding gaps remain significant, requiring co-investment from the private sector, industry leaders, alumni, philanthropists, and communities.
Kwara State Governor and NGF Chairman AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq also warned that poor implementation continues to undermine education budgets, with only 67 percent of funds utilized in 2024. He stressed that Nigeria’s young population presents both an opportunity and a risk if strategic investment in education is not prioritized.