UNICEF has expressed deep concern over the limited access to education for children in Bauchi State, labeling it as a fundamental human right that needs urgent attention.
The international organization lamented the challenges hindering the realization of children’s dreams and aspirations, with a significant number of them being deprived of proper education.
Dr. Tushar Rane, the Chief of the UNICEF Field Office in Bauchi, emphasized the importance of quality education, especially at the foundational level, as an essential driver of socio-economic development.
He asserted that the quality of education directly influences a nation’s overall progress.
Education is a fundamental right that empowers children to unlock their full potential. However, the reality remains concerning, with over 10 million school-aged children in Nigeria still out of school.
In a media dialogue held on Wednesday, Dr. Tushar Rane urged journalists from Bauchi, Taraba, and Gombe to use their platform to amplify the voices of out-of-school children. He recognized the media’s role as a powerful agent of social change.
The focus of the media dialogue was to engage in constructive discussions, addressing the root causes of the out-of-school children’s issue, identifying the challenges that hinder their access to education, and collectively finding potential solutions to transform the education narrative in Bauchi State.
With education being a vital pillar for the socioeconomic development of children and the nation at large, UNICEF’s call for immediate action and collaboration seeks to ensure that every child’s right to quality education is fulfilled.