Education Minister Launches FCT “Back2School” Drive for Out-of-School Children

Jack Acheme, Abuja

On Nov 16, 2024

Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, in collaboration with the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education (NCAOOSCE), has commenced the formal handover of children mopped up in and around the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for enrolment into classrooms.

The move is a renewed effort to address the challenge of out-of-school children.

Director of Press of the Federal Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade in a statement said the milestone marks the culmination of the “Back2School” enrolment drive, which was launched earlier this year to tackle the issue of educational inclusivity.

The handover ceremony commenced Friday, 15th to Saturday, 16th November 2024, at designated locations across the FCT.

The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa and Honourable Minister of FCT, Mr. Nyesom Wike, have granted approval for the absorption of the children into schools at no cost to their parents.

Details of the handover ceremony

Location 1: Kado Centre, Junior Secondary School Kado Kucl (November 15, 10 am) Location 2: Karu, LEA Karu Central Primary School (November 16, 9 am) Location 3: Deidei, LEA Primary School (November 16, 11 am) Location 4: Kuje, Science Primary School (November 16, 1 pm)

Also Read: FCT Minister Urges UBEC to Address Out-of-School Children Crisis

The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, expressed his appreciation to the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education (NCAOOSCE), Dr. Muhammad Sani Idris, and the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Mr. Nyesom Wike, “for their unwavering support in making this initiative a reality.”

Dr Alausa commends their dedication to the successful implementation of the “Back2School” drive, which not only demonstrates the government’s commitment to reducing the number of out-of-school children but also “advances the goal of achieving inclusive and equitable education for all.”