UNICEF inaugurates enrolment committee in Bayelsa

A School Enrollment Drive Committee for UNICEF has been inaugurated in Bayelsa state to reduce school dropout. Speaking during the inauguration in Yenagoa, the representative of UNICEF, Dr Asuka Mengiti, said though out of school children were usually high in Northern Nigeria, some incidences in Bayelsa State could also hinder child enrolment drive. According to […]

A School Enrollment Drive Committee for UNICEF has been inaugurated in Bayelsa state to reduce school dropout.

Speaking during the inauguration in Yenagoa, the representative of UNICEF, Dr Asuka Mengiti, said though out of school children were usually high in Northern Nigeria, some incidences in Bayelsa State could also hinder child enrolment drive.

According to her, early pregnancy, militancy and other issues in the Niger Delta Region could increase dropout.

She urged the committee, headed by the Executive Secretary of Bayelsa State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mr Walton Liverpool, to ensure that the campaign gets to nooks and crannies of the state.

The state Commissioner for Education, Mr Jonathan Obuebite, while appreciating the efforts of UNICEF in boosting enrolment in the state, explained that Governor Seriake Dickson had since 2012 made it compulsory for every parent and guardian to send their school-age kids to school and that any parent that deprived their children that privilege would be punished accordingly.

He said: “Let me announce that Bayelsa State government had declared state of emergency on school enrolment since 2012, coupled with the free and compulsory education to ensure that all our children acquire qualitative education.”