Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has raised concern over Nigeria’s rising number of out-of-school children, warning that the situation poses a grave security risk to the country.
Speaking at a public forum, Obasanjo described the millions of children who are currently not enrolled in school as “fertile ground” for Boko Haram and other extremist groups to recruit into their ranks.
He stressed that unless urgent action is taken, Nigeria could face an even greater insurgency crisis in the near future.
“When children are left without education, without hope, and without opportunities, they become easy targets for terrorists who exploit their vulnerability,” Obasanjo said.
According to UNICEF, Nigeria accounts for one of the highest numbers of out-of-school children globally, with an estimated 20 million affected. Many of them are concentrated in the northern region where Boko Haram has waged a violent campaign for over a decade.
Obasanjo urged the government, religious leaders, and communities to intensify efforts to provide inclusive and quality education, saying education remains the most powerful weapon against poverty, radicalization, and insecurity.
He also called on development partners to support Nigeria in tackling the crisis, warning that neglecting the problem would come at a heavy cost to the nation’s peace and stability.
