Faced with the rising number of out-of-school children in Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu has sanctioned the launch of the DOTS initiative to revitalize the education sector, boost enrollment, and safeguard the academic future of the nation’s youth.
According to Newsmen,DOTS stands for Data Repository, Out-of-School Children’s Education, Teacher Training and Development, and Skill Development and Acquisition.
Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, the Minister of State for Education, announced the initiative on Friday during the groundbreaking ceremony for new National Examinations Council offices in several states including Nasarawa, Abia, Sokoto, Taraba, Jigawa, Lagos, and Rivers.
The minister emphasized that the DOTS project aims to address the lack of reliable and coordinated data across all facets of Nigeria’s education system. This new initiative will enable the Federal Government to monitor student progress more effectively and implement targeted interventions, particularly for out-of-school children, girls, and those with specific learning disabilities.
Sununu noted, “Addressing the issue of out-of-school children is a key focus within President Bola Tinubu’s eight-point agenda, prioritizing social welfare, health, and education. The president believes that the over 20 million out-of-school children in Nigeria must be reintegrated into the education system to prevent them from becoming vulnerable to exploitation and to ensure they receive proper education and skills training.”
The minister praised the governors of Nasarawa and the other six states for their continued support of the education sector and expressed optimism that the new NECO offices will enhance the council’s ability to serve the Nigerian public.
Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, NECO’s Registrar and Chief Executive, highlighted that this achievement reflects the Federal Government’s dedication to educational infrastructure under President Tinubu’s leadership. He added that the new offices will symbolize excellence in Nigeria’s examination administration.
Expressing gratitude to local traditional leaders for their support, Wushishi stated, “This project demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to developing infrastructure in the education sector, as reflected in NECO’s current budget allocation. We aim to position NECO as a leader in exam administration and a driving force for educational transformation in Nigeria, leveraging technology and innovation to enhance service quality and accessibility.”
Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Education, Muhammed Bala, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting federal initiatives, including those in the education sector.
Punch
