FG Urges Greater Investment in Education to Reduce Street Children, Boost National Development
The Federal Government has called on stakeholders across Nigeria to increase investment in the education of children, stressing that early access to quality learning is key to reducing the number of out-of-school children and building a productive society.
Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, made the appeal on Monday during the commissioning of the ultra-modern GYB Model Science Secondary School in Nagazi, Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State.
He said education remains the foundation of national development, noting that every child educated represents an investment in the country’s future workforce and leadership.
“The future belongs to those who prepare for it with purpose,” the minister said, adding that government reforms are aimed at ensuring no Nigerian child is denied access to tertiary education due to financial constraints.
He referenced the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), explaining that the initiative has already disbursed over ₦200 billion to support students within a short period, helping to ease the burden of school fees nationwide.
Alausa also urged state governments to complement federal efforts by expanding access at the basic education level, including building more primary schools and strengthening school feeding programmes to encourage enrolment.
“Let’s get these young kids off the streets and into schools. Let’s feed them one meal a day so they can stay in school,” he said.
He commended Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, for prioritising education and security, noting that the state has consistently allocated a significant portion of its budget to the sector.
According to him, Kogi State’s investment in education infrastructure, alongside its growing number of tertiary institutions, reflects a strong commitment to human capital development.
Earlier, Governor Ododo said the newly commissioned GYB Model Secondary School represents his administration’s vision to raise a generation of students equipped with knowledge, discipline, and innovation.
He said the state is deliberately positioning itself as a future hub of knowledge by strengthening science and technical education and promoting skills that prepare students for modern economic demands.
The event also featured the commissioning of additional model schools in other parts of the state, attracting traditional rulers, government officials, and stakeholders from within and outside Kogi State.
