Education remains key to stability, progress

SIR: Due to the alarming security situation in the country, the percentage of children of primary school age not having any form of education across the regions merits a discourse. According to the Multiple Instructor Survey Cluster ( MISC) 2021 report, the percentage of the six respective geopolitical zones in the country stands as follows: North Central – 21.0%; North East – 49.5%; North West – 40.2%; South East – 9.1%; South South – 4.6%; and South West – 6.2%.

Taking it down to the state, Imo State has 0.6% to beat the record of out- of- school children of primary school age in 2021 nationwide while Bauchi recorded 60.8% as highest.

Practically, this is the face of the future of the country visà- vis security, industrialisation, economic growth including the Gross Domestic Products ( GDP). The figures unfalteringly explain the rationale of the United Nations’ focus by aggressive interventions in the northern region through United Nations Children’s Fund ( UNICEF) with support from concerned funding partners around the world. Incontrovertibly, their big hearts have been changing the narratives, touching lives. With sustained support, without a doubt, the target will be met.

Carl Umegboro, a public affairs analyst and social advocate, writes through umegborocarl@ g mail. com