TheCable

The Ondo government says it has recorded 240,000 out-of-school children in the state.

NAN reports that Victor Olabimtan, chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (ODSUBEB), disclosed this at a conference in Akure.

Olabimtan said the out-of-school children crisis has become a national problem, making it a potential breeding ground for “miscreants”.

The Ondo SUBEB chairman called for collaborative efforts from stakeholders to tackle the menace.

“The truth is that it has become a serious socio-economic issue because it has become a breeding ground for social and political miscreants,” Olabimtan said.

“This menace is growing every day and needs the efforts of all stakeholders, especially the press, through reportage and continuous advocacy harping on the advantages of a literate society.”

Olabimtan stated that the board has begun awarding funds for its 2023 education development action plans valued at N2.95 billion.

He said the award is meant for the construction, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of schools across the state.

The chairman said the action plan also covers fencing of schools, construction of boreholes, supply of furniture, and sporting equipment.

He also said the board had provided over 900 schools with digital devices for attendance management.

Olabimtan identified vandalism in schools as one of the major challenges confronting the board.

“Another major challenge facing our schools is the issue of land encroachment by some communities and land speculators,” he added.

“With the support of relevant agencies of government, we are tackling them through peaceful and official engagements, and we appeal to our people to always protect government properties.”