Education and technology experts, yesterday, canvassed a technology-based solution for street to school menace in Nigeria at an out-of-school children summit, organised by a non-governmental organisation, IA-Foundation, in Lagos.
Director-General of DAWN Commission, Seye Oyeleye, said education was not just a sector, but empowerment of the citizenry.He lamented that education is grossly underfunded, adding that the sector needed to be funded properly to address the out-of-school children problem.
Former Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Adefisayo Folashade, noted that the country was good in policy formulation, but deficient in implementation. She, therefore, suggested a multi-dimensional approach, accommodating all stakeholders.
According to her, facilities are under-utilised in the country. Dr Aderonke Kujore urged deliberate move to empower a good number of students with digital skills.
Chief Executive Officer of Edmark Consult, Mrs Yinka Ogunde, said several issues were responsible for the menace, the need for a right strategy.
A cybersecurity expert, Wale Sangosanya, urged protection of young learners. Chairman of IA-Foundation’s Board of Trustees, Oladiran Famakinwa, said no child should have to choose between survival and education.
He reminded Nigerians of the transformative power of education. In her opening remarks, the founder, Mrs Ronke Adeagbo, regretted that the menace had tarried.
