By Milcah Tanimu
UNICEF has raised concerns about the increasing dropout rates among students in the Southwest region of Nigeria, which includes Ekiti, Oyo, Lagos, Ondo, Osun, and Ogun states.
At a regional stakeholders meeting in Ibadan, UNICEF Education Specialist Azuka Menkiti highlighted that dropout rates among adolescents range between 8% and 15%. Despite high enrollment rates, primary and secondary school completion rates for children aged 10 to 18 stand at 92% and 85%, respectively, signaling a critical issue.
Menkiti stressed that without addressing these challenges, the education sector could face significant setbacks. She noted that UNICEF’s efforts include enhancing retention, transition, and completion rates by focusing on various factors that contribute to dropout rates.
The meeting, attended by state commissioners, SUBEB chairmen, and other officials, aimed to review and adapt successful intervention models for local contexts. UNICEF is advocating for increased funding and data-driven policies to improve secondary education outcomes.
Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Professor Saliu Adelabu, acknowledged the state’s past struggles with high dropout rates but reported improvements. He also noted that the influx of children from the north presents additional challenges, including security concerns. The Oyo State government is working on reintegrating these children into the education system and providing vocational training for those who cannot return to formal schooling.
UNICEF’s focus includes strengthening education systems, expanding access, and addressing barriers to ensure every child’s right to quality education is upheld.
