The House of Representatives has ordered an investigation into the disbursement of funds meant to reduce the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria through the Alternate School Programme, Better Education Service Delivery for All, and At-Risk Children Programme. 

This followed the adoption of a motion on notice by Honourable TIJANI KAYODE ISMAIL at plenary. 

Hon. KAYODE said the issue of out-of-school children in Nigeria remains a persistent challenge, despite efforts from the Nigerian government, International Development Partners, and Non-governmental organizations.

He said that in 2022, the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization ranked Nigeria third among countries with the highest number of out-of-school children recording almost 20 million Nigerian children that are out of school. 

He expressed regrets that despite the Federal government’s efforts and the release of funds for the execution of the program, the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria continues to increase rapidly. 

The lawmaker lamented that the misuse of Alternate School Programme funds to reduce out-of-school children in Nigeria has negatively impacted these schemes, leaving many children unschooled.