Former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, don warn say the increasing number of out-of-school children for Nigeria dey pose big danger for the future. Obasanjo talk dis during an event in Bauchi on Sunday, where he inaugurate some projects wey Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, execute.
Obasanjo describe the situation as alarming and a ticking time bomb. He say over 20 million children wey suppose dey school no dey receive any formal education, and dis make dem vulnerable to recruitment by extremist groups like Boko Haram and bandits.
“These children, not equipped to develop their innate abilities to serve themselves or their communities, are being prepared for recruitment into whatever form Boko Haram or banditry will take in the next 10 to 15 years,” Obasanjo say.
He emphasize say addressing the educational crisis very crucial not only for Nigeria development but also for its long-term security. Obasanjo cite World Bank statistics, saying Nigeria with a population of about 230 million people, get over 20 million children wey should be in school but no dey.
“For a population of about 230 million, that’s 10 per cent of our population that should be in school that are not in school. Governor, your royal highnesses, brothers and sisters, that is recruitment for future Boko Haram; nobody needs to tell us that,” Obasanjo add.
He call on leaders to prioritize education to mitigate the looming threat and ensure human capacity development through education.
