The Universal Basic Education Commission UBEC, has engaged with the State Universal Basic Education Boards, SUBEBs, Chairmen to strategize on the effective rollout Open Schooling program across the country.
DAILY POST recalls that UBEC introduced the Open Schooling system to improve enrolment, retention and completion of UBE programmes for Out-of-School Children in a flexible education system that allows participants to learn remotely in an informal manner.
The executive secretary of UBEC, Dr. Hamid Bobboyi
during a meeting with Chairmen and directors of social mobilization of SUBEBs in Abuja on Tuesday, said Nigeria must explore new approaches in order to curtail the growing number of out of school children.
According to him, the best option is to adopt the Open Schooling mode that is capable of reaching a large number of learners while eliminating the barriers currently imposed by space and time.
Bobboyi also said that the mode has successfully been deployed by many countries that share similar characteristics with Nigeria to surmount the challenge of ensuring that opportunities are made available for children who cannot go to school.
“Executive Chairmen and Directors here present, as we try the Open Schooling mode at the pilot stage, the roles you will play are very crucial in the successful implementation of the programme through your leadership and dedication.
“The success of the Open Schooling Programme rests on our collective shoulders.
“It is imperative that no child is left behind in our quest to achieve the UBE mandate.
“Together, let us empower every child with the gift of education, fostering a brighter future to our nation,” he said.
On his part, Dean of SUBEB chairmen, Prof. Shehu Adaramaja expressed commitment of the states to key into the open School initiative.
He, however, urged the government to consider expanding the programme to reach other states in the country.