(Nigerian Children. Photo by UNICEF)
UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund, has bemoaned the fact that, by the time they are 14 years old, just one in four Nigerian schoolchildren can read correctly and perform basic math.
During a two-day media dialogue on digital learning, artificial intelligence (AI), and skill development for out-of-school children in Ede, Osun State, Celine Lafoucriere, Chief of UNICEF Lagos Field Office, made this statement on Wednesday.
Over 10 million youngsters in the nation do not attend school, Lafoucriere continued.
According to her, the numbers are those that are sitting on someone’s desk rather than spreadsheets or official reports.
“The children are also those who are growing up without the skills necessary to get a job, take care of their families, take care of themselves, and be part of the economy that is forming around them,” she continued.
However, in order to provide the kids a shot at a future livelihood, the Chief of UNICEF Lagos Field Office promoted artificial intelligence education and digital learning materials.
“Kids with AI skills will have an opportunity. Those who don’t will be excluded. Currently, Nigerian children who are not enrolled in school are the ones being left out, and sadly, girls are the most disadvantaged among them.
However, in order to make sure that policymakers and other stakeholders in the nation’s education sector are aware of the need to influence digital learning and artificial intelligence education, she advocated for media cooperation in the field of reporting.
She proposed that one method to deal with youngsters who are not in school is to keep reporting on the importance of digital learning.
Lafoucriere tasked the media with delivering the messages to people who have the ability to address the educational issue.
Dr. Harold Kpojime, a UNICEF education specialist, cautioned that 20 million children are still not attending primary and secondary schools.
According to Kpojime, there are 10.2 million elementary school students and 8.1 million junior secondary school students.
Nigeria’s population accounts for 15% of the world’s out-of-school load, he continued, adding that 12.4 million children have never attended school and 5.9 million dropped out early.
Early Child Care Development Education (ECCDE) is only available to one in three children between the ages of 36 and 59 months. Just one in three kids and teenagers can go to senior high school. Over half of girls do not attend basic education-level schools.
According to Kpojime, poverty, population increase, low learning outcomes, and other issues are driving Nigeria’s education crisis, which is increasingly becoming a more complicated issue about the value of education. He posited that the crisis pervades an economy with limited job opportunities.
Earlier, in his address of welcome, Sunday Eluwole, Commissioner for Education in Osun State, noted that education remains the most powerful tool for human development, social transformation and economic growth.
Oluwole, represented by Murtala Adekunle Jimoh, permanent secretary, the State Ministry of Education, also lamented that millions of children across the world, including many within Nigeria, remain excluded from formal education due to various socio-economic, cultural, geographical, and security-related challenges.
“These children are deprived of opportunities to develop their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society.
The advent of digital technology and artificial intelligence offers previously unheard-of chances to close educational gaps and give marginalized and vulnerable kids more educational options.
Digital learning platforms are revolutionizing the delivery of knowledge today, increasing accessibility, flexibility, inclusivity, and engagement in education.
“When used responsibly, the emergence of digital technology and artificial intelligence can enhance educational planning, identify learning gaps, support teachers, personalize learning experiences, and offer creative solutions that can help reach children who are currently outside the formal education system.”
“We must make sure that no child is left behind and left in the digital revolution as we continue to embrace technological advancements,” he said.