UNICEF has expressed concern about the 8-15% dropout rate among adolescents in primary and secondary schools across Ekiti, Oyo, Lagos, Ondo, Osun, and Ogun states.
At a recent meeting in Ibadan, UNICEF Education Specialist Azuka Menkiti highlighted that while completion rates for primary and secondary education are 92% and 85% respectively, these figures still indicate significant challenges in retaining and transitioning students.
Menkiti emphasized the need for improved funding and credible data to address the dropout issue. UNICEF is working with regional stakeholders to enhance education retention and completion, focusing on barriers to education, including social norms and inadequate funding.
In addition, Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Professor Saliu Adelabu, noted improvements in reducing the number of out-of-school children but identified security concerns due to an influx of children from the northern regions. The Oyo State government is addressing this by reintegrating children into schools and providing vocational training for those who cannot return to formal education.