‘Ten million Nigerian kids not in school’

Yekini Jimoh, Ilorin -16.03.2008

OVER 10million Nigerian children of school age are not receiving any education out of which 4.7million are of primary school age while around 5.7 million are of secondary school age.

Dr. Roy K. Lillyman Principal of Thomas Adewumi College and Preparatory School in Oko Kwara State who stated this while speaking at an award ceremony of the best College in Nigeria for effectiveness in educational development for the year 2008.

The award ceremony was conferred on the college by the National Association of the Nigeria Students (NANS) Zone “C” also noted that the situation is alarming for the future of the country.

According to him, in today’s global world, no sane society can continue to ignore the harsh effect of a lack of education, adding that no society can achieve progress if there is no sustainable platform for the future leaders and followers to achieve literacy and receive a sound education.

He said that this staggering and frightening revelation as read from journals can send wrong signals in the minds of people who loved the country.

He commended President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua for his effort at ensuring that the country is repositioned towards achieving a better development and future.

He said school administrators should be able to put through the students on a good footing that will assist them in their future pursuits.

“Three years ago Thomas Adewumi College was named among the top seven of the most elite schools in Nigeria and it has continued to grow from strength to strength based on its quality education and standard,” he said.

He commended the student body for being able to see what they were doing and reward them for their hard work and commitment for the development of education.