President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritising education for Nigerian children.

Tinubu promised that his administration would reduce the number of out-of-school children through innovative return-to-class initiatives and skills development programs.

He said this during a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Wednesday, November 28, 2024.

The president highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to create a supportive framework that ensures school-age children re-enter classrooms, emphasising the role of motivation and skill acquisition in this initiative.

“In order to bridge the gap for some who are of age, and have been out of school for a while, we will encourage skills development,” Tinubu added.

Accompanied by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, the president stressed to Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron that Nigeria’s developmental potential hinges on a well-educated populace.

“The insecurity in some parts of the country makes it hard for children to return to school, but we are gradually re-populating the classrooms. And we need skills development to bridge the gaps,” Tinubu was quoted as saying in a statement issued by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.

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President Tinubu highlighted the notable progress in enhancing security across Nigeria, employing “kinetic” strategies as part of the peace-building process.

“With some more efforts, we will be able to get some level of stability. We had a very good harvest this year. And as soon as more farmers can go back to the farm, we will have more stability in harvest and supply,” he said.

In response, President Macron acknowledged Nigeria’s vast growth potential and the importance of investing in educational initiatives.

He reflected on his formative experiences during a six-month internship at the French Embassy in Nigeria, including visits to Lagos and Kano.

Macron and Brigitte expressed gratitude to Tinubu and his wife for their state visit, promising to elevate the France-Nigeria partnership to new heights.

The Star