Concerned about the rising number of out-of-school children in the country, President Bola Tinubu has sanctioned the launch of the DOTS project to revitalise the education sector, boost enrolment, and secure the academic future of the nation’s youth.
DOTS, an acronym for Data Repository, Out-of-School Children’s Education, Teacher Training and Development, and Skill Development and Acquisition, was announced by Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, Minister of State for Education, during a ceremony in Shabu, a suburb of Lafia in Nasarawa State. This event laid the foundation for new National Examinations Council (NECO) offices in Nasarawa, Abia, Sokoto, Taraba, Jigawa, Lagos, and Rivers States.
Dr Sununu emphasised that the DOTS initiative addresses the lack of coordinated, reliable, and comprehensive data across the Nigerian education sector. He highlighted that this new project would enable the Federal Government to monitor students’ progress accurately, thereby providing a data-driven approach to educational interventions, particularly for out-of-school children, girls, and those with specific learning disabilities.
He stated,
“Addressing the issue of out-of-school children is a critical component of President Bola Tinubu’s eight-point agenda, with a primary focus on social welfare, health, and education. The President believes that the over 20 million out-of-school children in Nigeria represent a vulnerable group that requires urgent attention to prevent them from being exploited by miscreants. He is convinced that for Nigeria to achieve sustainable development and maintain its status among the global community, these children must be reintegrated into the educational system and equipped with the necessary skills to become self-sufficient and valuable members of society.”
READ ALSO: https://thecrux.com.ng/tinubu-decries-nigerias-power-generation-capacity-calls-it-shameful/
The minister praised the Governors of Nasarawa and the other six states for their unwavering support for the educational sector, expressing optimism that the new NECO offices would enhance the organisation’s capacity to serve the Nigerian populace effectively.
Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, Registrar and Chief Executive of NECO, described the new state offices as a testament to the Federal Government’s dedication to educational infrastructure development under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership. He noted that these offices, along with other significant NECO structures, would symbolise excellence in administering examinations across Nigeria.
Prof. Wushishi extended his gratitude to the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage (retired), and the Sangarin of Shabu, HRH Mahammood Bwallah II, for their royal endorsement of the project.
He remarked,
“This project reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure within the education sector and is part of the seven capital projects allocated to NECO in this year’s budget.”
Looking ahead, he envisioned NECO as a leading entity in exam administration and a driving force for educational transformation in Nigeria. He pledged to harness technology and innovation to improve the quality and accessibility of NECO’s services.
Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Education, Muhammed Bala, reiterated the state government’s pledge to continue supporting all Federal Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, particularly in the education sector.
