FG Launches Initiatives To Tackle Out-of-School Crisis In Border Communities

The Federal Government, in collaboration with the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA), has launched initiatives to address the out-of-school crisis affecting millions of children in border communities across Nigeria.

The development follows a meeting between the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa and Dr. Dax Alabo George-Kelly, Executive Secretary of BCDA.

In a post on X platform on Wednesday, the Minister stated that the two parties discussed ways to strengthen collaboration and provide essential services to the underserved communities.

“With over 22 million children living in border communities, many of whom are out of school due to remote and inaccessible locations, the Minister stated that the partnership aims to reduce the number of out-of-school children and reintegrate them into the education system.

“Twenty-one states in Nigeria share borders with neighbouring countries such as Benin, Cameroon, and Niger. These land and coastal borders encompass over 3,000 communities that are unfortunately underserved, poverty-stricken, and experiencing population growth. Many of these communities are located in difficult-to-access terrains, further compounding their challenges.

He added that the initiatives will focus on providing access to education, healthcare, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities, as well as school rehabilitation, provision of teachers, and learning materials.

“In line with its mandate, the BCDA is working to provide these communities with essential services, including access to education, healthcare, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities.

“Currently, over 22 million children are estimated to live in these border communities. Due to their remote and inaccessible locations, a significant number of these children are out of school.

“As part of our six-point agenda—particularly Point 3, which focuses on reducing the number of out-of-school children and reintegrating them into the education system—it is imperative that the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) strengthens its collaboration with the BCDA. This partnership will help avoid duplication of efforts and ensure that targeted interventions reach the communities most in need.

“No man is an island; it is through collaboration that meaningful change can occur. Education is central to the growth and development of every sector of the economy.

“Moving forward, the FME and its agencies will align closely with the BCDA on initiatives related to out-of-school children and Almajiri interventions, school rehabilitation, the provision of teachers, learning materials, and more,” the Minister posted.

Alausa expressed hope that the collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Education and BCDA will create lasting impact and transform learning environments in these communities, ultimately contributing to the growth and development of every sector of the economy.

“I extend my sincere thanks to Dr. George-Kelly, Executive Secretary of the BCDA, for his visit and commend him and his team for his commitment to improving the conditions and livelihoods of these communities. We look forward to working together to transform learning environments and create lasting impact,” the Minister wrote.