The dilemma of kids being unable to have an education is a very serious societal issue. These kids that do not get the chance to go to school end up becoming public menaces because as soon as they come of age, they realise that life for them is “eat or be eaten”. The harsh realisation that they have to struggle and hustle before they can become people in life is painful for them, but what is more painful is the fact that they are already disadvantaged and there is almost nothing they can do about it.
31% of Nigerians are uneducated. This translates to millions of people when calculated with Nigeria’s population. Who is responsible for this dilemma? The parents who can’t afford the school fees or the government for not providing more educational facilities or free education? The question of blame for out-of-school children in Nigeria involves complex factors, and arguments can be made for both parents and the Nigerian government playing a role in addressing this issue.
PARENTS ARE TO BLAME FOR LACK OF EDUCATION
1. Parental Responsibility: Parents bear the primary responsibility for the education of their children. Consequently, it is imperative that they ensure their children attend school and receive an education that lays the foundation for their future success.
2. Financial Constraints: Despite facing financial challenges, some parents may find it difficult to afford school-related expenses, including uniforms, textbooks, and transportation. Nonetheless, it is contended that parents should prioritise education even within their financial constraints, recognizing its paramount importance.
3. Lack of Awareness: Furthermore, in certain instances, parents may not be fully aware of the critical importance of education or may lack information about available educational opportunities. This lack of awareness can significantly contribute to children being kept out of school, highlighting the need for increased dissemination of information and educational awareness programs.
GOVERNMENT IS TO BLAME
1. Infrastructure and Access: In terms of providing educational opportunities, the government shoulders the responsibility of ensuring adequate infrastructure and facilitating access to quality education for all children. Challenges such as insufficient schools, limited resources, and inadequate transportation can, however, impede children’s access to education.
2. Policy Implementation: Additionally, the government is tasked with implementing and enforcing policies that render education accessible and compulsory. The effectiveness of policy implementation, the strength of enforcement mechanisms, and the extent of monitoring play pivotal roles in determining whether children are effectively brought into the education system or left out.
3. Economic Policies: Beyond the educational realm, broader economic policies and poverty alleviation efforts also play a crucial role in influencing parents’ capacity to afford their children’s education. Government initiatives aimed at addressing poverty and economic inequality may indirectly contribute to the reduction of out-of-school children, highlighting the interconnected nature of education and socio-economic policies.
In reality, the responsibility for addressing the issue of out-of-school children is shared between parents and the government. Collaborative efforts involving both parties, along with community involvement, NGOs, and international organisations, are essential to creating an environment where all children have the opportunity to receive a quality education. While parents have a crucial role in ensuring their children attend school, the government must address systemic issues to make education accessible and compulsory for all children in the country.
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