The Ondo government says it has 240,000 out-of-school children.

Victor Olabimtan, the State Universal Basic Education Board (ODSUBEB) chairman, disclosed this at a news conference in Akure on Tuesday.

Mr Olabimtan, who described the out-of-school children as a national problem, called for collaborative efforts by the stakeholders in tackling 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. Empirical statistics have repudiated the initial beliefs that out-of-school is only prevalent in the northern part of the country.

“Studies have shown it is a growing menace in this part of the world without leaving out our state. 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,” Mr Olabimtan stated.

He added that the board had begun awarding the 2023 Action Plans valued at N2.95 billion for the construction, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of schools across the state.

According to him, the action plans also cover fencing of schools, construction of boreholes, supplies of pupils’ furniture, teachers’ chairs and tables, and sporting equipment.

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

Mr Olabimtan, however, identified the vandalisation of schools and damage to government property as two of the major challenges confronting the board.

“One of the most serious challenges we are battling within our schools is the unpatriotic activities of vandals who are in the habit of destroying and vandalising school properties, especially doors, windows and ceilings put in place with tax players funds,” Mr Olabimtan explained.

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

“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.”

He reiterated the board’s commitment to improving infrastructure and making teaching and learning more attractive. 

(NAN)