Education and technology experts convened on Tuesday in Lagos to discuss technology-based strategies for tackling the issue of out-of-school children in Nigeria. The summit, organised by IA-Foundation, focused on solutions to the “Street to School” crisis, a pressing challenge that has long plagued the nation’s education system.
Seye Oyeleye, Director-General of the DAWN Commission, highlighted the critical role of education as the foundation for national development. He expressed concern over chronic underfunding of the sector, emphasizing that without adequate financial investment, the problem of out-of-school children would persist.
Former Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Adefisayo Folashade, criticized the country’s poor track record in implementing educational policies. She called for a multidimensional approach involving all stakeholders, noting that existing educational facilities are underutilized and stressing the need to provide not just access but quality education.
Dr. Aderonke Kujore underscored the urgency of equipping students with digital skills, particularly in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI). She warned that a lack of understanding of AI among students could create significant challenges, urging immediate action to prepare young learners for a tech-driven future.
Mrs. Yinka Ogunde, CEO of Edmark Consult, called for a reassessment of existing educational policies, advocating for a collaborative approach between policymakers and stakeholders. Cybersecurity expert Wale Sangosanya stressed the importance of safeguarding young learners against the unintended risks of technology, such as exposure to inappropriate content and data breaches.
Chairman of IA-Foundation’s Board of Trustees, Mr. Oladiran Famakinwa, emphasized that no child should have to choose between survival and education. He shared a personal story illustrating how timely educational intervention can transform lives, urging Nigerians to recognize the profound impact of education.
IA-Foundation’s Founder, Mrs. Ronke Adeagbo, lamented the long-standing neglect of out-of-school children, pointing out its societal consequences, including crime and insecurity. She reiterated the foundation’s commitment to reducing the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria.
The foundation’s CEO, Laura Ede, encouraged individuals and organizations to join the fight by sponsoring children’s education, contributing to programs, or partnering to reach underserved communities. She stressed that collective efforts could rewrite the narratives of marginalized children into stories of success and hope.
Government and Stakeholder Support
The event received support from the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, who was represented at the summit. Dr. Idris Sani, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education, also commended the IA-Foundation’s efforts during his virtual address.
The summit concluded with a renewed call for innovative and collaborative approaches to address the out-of-school children crisis, leveraging technology as a transformative tool to create a brighter future for Nigeria’s youth.
