By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Education is the foundation of any thriving society, yet millions of children worldwide remain out of school, deprived of the knowledge and skills needed to secure a better future, according to Capt. Caleb Danladi Bako, expert and founder of the Caleb Danladi Foundation (CDF).
In a statement released yesterday, Capt. Bako expressed concern over the severity of the crisis, particularly in developing nations, where poverty, conflict, and inadequate infrastructure create insurmountable barriers to formal education.
He warned that without urgent intervention, these children risk being left behind in an increasingly technology-driven world, perpetuating cycles of poverty and limiting national development.
To break this cycle, the CDF CEO emphasized the need to harness the power of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) innovation to create inclusive, accessible, and transformative learning opportunities for out-of-school children.
According to Capt. Bako, the global shift toward a digital and knowledge-based economy demands a workforce equipped with STEM skills. However, millions of children lack access to even the most basic education, let alone exposure to advanced subjects such as coding, robotics, or artificial intelligence
He further noted that traditional classroom models, while effective in structured environments, fail to reach marginalized children living in remote areas, conflict zones, or impoverished communities.
“This is where innovation through STEM can play a transformative role by offering flexible, scalable, and engaging learning solutions,” he said.
One of the most promising approaches to addressing this crisis, according to Capt. Bako, is the use of technology-driven education. Digital learning platforms, mobile applications, and virtual classrooms provide opportunities for children to acquire foundational knowledge even in the absence of physical schools.
“Low-cost tablets, solar-powered learning centers, and mobile education buses can bring lessons to children in underserved regions, allowing them to learn at their own pace,” he stated.
Interactive STEM programs incorporating gamification and hands-on experiments can also enhance engagement, ensuring that children develop problem-solving skills and creativity from an early age.
Innovation in STEM education also opens doors to alternative pathways for skill acquisition, particularly for out-of-school children forced into informal labor at a young age.
“By integrating STEM-based vocational training into community programs, children can acquire marketable skills in fields such as renewable energy, digital technology, and engineering,” Capt. Bako explained.
“These skills not only prepare them for employment but also empower them to become entrepreneurs and innovators in their communities. A young girl who learns to build solar panels or repair electronic devices, for instance, gains the ability to contribute to her local economy while securing a sustainable livelihood,” he added.
Capt. Bako stressed that partnerships between governments, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector are critical in scaling up these solutions.
“Policymakers must recognize that traditional education systems alone cannot bridge the gap. Investments in alternative learning models leveraging STEM are crucial,” he noted.
He called on organizations committed to education reform to collaborate with technology companies to develop affordable and accessible STEM learning tools. He also urged community-driven initiatives, supported by local leaders and educators, to tailor programs to the specific needs of children outside the formal school system.
The Caleb Danladi Foundation is dedicated to ensuring that every child, regardless of circumstance, has access to quality education.
“Through targeted STEM initiatives, we aim to provide innovative learning solutions that equip out-of-school children with the knowledge and skills to build better futures,” Capt. Bako affirmed.
“Our vision is to create a world where no child is denied the opportunity to learn, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to society. By embracing STEM innovation, we can break down educational barriers, uplift communities, and build a generation prepared to meet the challenges of the future,” he emphasized.
Capt. Bako underscored the urgency of the issue, warning that as the world advances technologically, failure to equip children with the right skills will lead to widening inequalities and lost potential.
“Investing in STEM-based solutions for out-of-school children is not just an educational necessity—it is an economic and social imperative,” he stated.
“If we are to create a brighter future, we must act now, ensuring that no child is left behind in the pursuit of knowledge and opportunity,” he concluded.
