The representative of the World Bank in Nigeria, Dilip Parajuli, has pleaded with the federal and state governments to put in more money in basic education to help tackle the menace of out-of-school children in the country.
Parajuli, who is the coordinator of education, stated this during the official launch of the newly established National Commission for Almajiri and Out- of-School Children Education office in Abuja on Friday, adding that putting in money is critical for the next 10 to 20 years.
He said, “We plead to states to use the money efficiently, transparently in an accountable manner; that’s also important.”
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman, said it was time for action and implementation.
“It is our plan that by the end of the year or along the way, the mileages will be obvious and clear to the direction we are heading. And it is not only this commission who is involved in the handling of out-of-school children, there are three other commissions that have some responsibilities. What we want to do is some coordination to ensure that there is no wastage and high waste bureaucracy,” he stated.
Earlier, the executive secretary of the commission, Dr Sha’aban Ibrahim Sharada, said the commission was dedicated for action on the reduction of the high number of out-of-school children and the integration of Quranic and Sangaya education