FG Re-Enrols Over One Million Out-of-School Children, Launches Digital Education Reforms

The Federal Government has successfully re-enrolled more than one million out-of-school children nationwide, as part of a renewed effort to strengthen foundational learning and expand access to quality education, according to the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa.

Dr. Alausa disclosed this in Akure on Wednesday during a courtesy visit to Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, ahead of the 69th National Council on Education (NCE) meeting. The Minister highlighted sweeping reforms under President Tinubu’s administration focused on teacher development, digital learning, and evidence-based education management.

He explained that the government had launched the Teacher Registration and Licensing System (TRLS) through the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) and the National Teachers’ Resource Centre (NTRC) to advance nationwide teacher training. He also revealed that teacher development programmes are now hosted online, allowing educators across Nigeria to receive training remotely and earn financial incentives upon completion.

“We have moved teacher training online so teachers anywhere in the country can learn at their own pace. Once completed, they are paid incentives between ₦10,000 and ₦15,000. In rural communities, that difference matters,” Alausa said. He added that free data access and digital payment systems would support the programme’s seamless execution.

The Minister also announced the Digitised National Education Management Information System (DNEMIS), a cloud-based platform designed to enhance real-time data collection and data-driven policy decisions. “For the first time, school census data is now cloud-based. By 2026, every school, even in rural communities, will upload data directly via mobile devices,” he stated.

Speaking on the issue of out-of-school children, Dr. Alausa confirmed that over one million children had been identified and brought back into classrooms. “Ninety-five per cent of out-of-school children are not in school due to poverty, not insecurity. President Tinubu has approved major funding to bring them back and ensure retention through school feeding and welfare programmes,” he noted.

He revealed that a pilot school feeding programme currently covers 300,000 pupils across six states, with plans for national expansion. The Minister urged Ondo State to establish an Education Trust Fund similar to Bauchi State’s model, saying it could effectively support foundational education and drive the state’s industrial goals.

Governor Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to aligning with Federal Government reforms, describing education as the bedrock of human capital development. He thanked the Federal Ministry of Education for choosing Ondo State as host for the NCE meeting, calling it a vote of confidence in the state’s commitment to educational advancement.

“Education remains a shared responsibility between all levels of government. What we have achieved in Ondo is through collaboration, consistency, and our shared vision for a knowledge-driven state,” he said.

The Governor commended President Bola Tinubu for prioritising education under the Renewed Hope Agenda and praised the Ministry’s emphasis on teacher licensing and digital transformation.

In attendance were Deputy Governor Dr. Olayide Adelami, Secretary to the State Government Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, Chief of Staff Prince Segun Omojuwa, Head of Service Mr. Bayo Philip, Commissioner for Education Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, SUBEB Chairman Mr. Victor Olabimtan, and OSRC Director General Mr. Kenneth Odusola-Stevenson.