Abuja: Stakeholders, including clerics, parents, and educationists, have called for concerted action to address Nigeria’s out-of-school children crisis. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that they made the call at the Second Year Anniversary Celebration and Graduation of the Mountain Top Schools on Thursday in Abuja. The event was held at the Gwarimpa premises of the school.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the increasing rate of out-of-school children is a potential threat to national development and security. They stated that sustainable progress in the fight against the menace was only possible through increased investment in education by governments at all levels, individuals, and faith-based institutions. Mrs. Rosemary Onoja, Chairperson of the occasion, emphasized the need for government institutions, development agencies, private sector organizations, civil society groups, and parents to work together in tackling the problem. She noted that the government must take the driver’s seat to fix Nigerian education in order to effectively check the out-of-school children challenge.
Onoja highlighted that the government should take the lead in providing basic education by ensuring universal access, while private schools fill the gaps. She expressed concerns that the government is not doing enough and credited the private sector and individuals for preventing chaos in the education system. Onoja commended private schools for their efforts but urged all stakeholders to do their part, with the government providing infrastructure and teachers being ready to teach. She lamented that Nigeria still has the highest number of out-of-school children globally, despite its abundant natural and human resources, and called for support for mission schools.
Pastor Emmanuel Ayantuga, Regional Overseer, MFM North Central Region 47, and host of the event, described the school as a model Christian academy providing basic education. He emphasized the school’s commitment to raising godly children both in learning and character. Ayantuga shared his passion for positively affecting lives and offering quality education alongside the gospel. He appreciated the leadership and members of the church for their support, acknowledging the vision and growth experienced over the past two years.
Ayantuga announced plans to expand the school’s reach by commencing the Junior Secondary arm and completing a permanent two-story building structure. Mrs. Taiwo Elegbede, Head Teacher of the School, stated that Mountain Top is rooted in sound academics and strong Christian values, committed to raising godly and academically sound children at a subsidized cost. She mentioned that some pupils receive free or discounted education and expressed pride in the school’s achievements as they celebrated their second anniversary and graduation.
The event featured choreography, news casting, dance, and other presentations by the pupils, along with awards for outstanding and graduating students.