Fubara Urges Enrolment of Out-of-School Children

Author: Gist Correspondent

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has called on parents, community leaders and education stakeholders to intensify efforts to enrol out-of-school children, stressing that no child should be denied access to quality education.

Fubara made the call on Thursday in Port Harcourt during the Regional Campaign on Engaging Community Structures to Promote the Enrolment of Out-of-School Children and the flag-off of the 2026/2027 Enrolment Drive for Southern States.

The governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Dagogo Wokoma, described education as a fundamental pillar of sustainable development, urging stakeholders to ensure that no child is left behind because of economic hardship, social background or other barriers to schooling.

He said expanding access to education was critical to promoting social inclusion, equal opportunities and sustainable development, while equipping children to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society.

Fubara urged participating states and communities to translate their commitments into concrete actions by identifying vulnerable children, strengthening community participation and encouraging parents and guardians to prioritise their children's education.

He reaffirmed the Rivers State Government's commitment to initiatives that expand access to inclusive and quality education, particularly for children who have missed the opportunity to attend formal schools.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Aisha Garba, described the rising number of out-of-school children as one of the major challenges confronting Nigeria's education sector.

Garba called for a collective approach involving federal and state governments, communities, parents and other stakeholders to address the challenge and guarantee every Nigerian child the fundamental right to education.

The programme was organised by UBEC in collaboration with the Rivers State Government to strengthen community participation and promote school enrolment across southern states for the 2026/2027 academic session.

The initiative seeks to mobilise community structures to identify children who are not attending school and encourage their enrolment, particularly among vulnerable groups.