Anambra’s Out-of-school Children Best Score: Soludo’s Educational Impact on National Scale

By Christian ABURIME

In the complex landscape of Nigeria’s educational system, where challenges often loom large, Anambra State stands out as a leading light of hope and excellence, shining its brilliance on the path of countless young minds.

At the helm of this transformative journey is the State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, whose vivid vision and sterling commitment to education has heralded a new era of enlightenment and opportunity.

It is a new, bright dawn that keeps unraveling. Anambra’s ascent from the shadows of educational disparity to the pinnacle of excellence is not a tale of accident, but a narrative scripted with deliberate and intentional reforms with visionary leadership.

The recent revelation by TheCableIndex, showcasing Anambra’s remarkable feat of recording the lowest out-of-school children (aged 6–15) score of 2.9% across Nigerian states with scores as high as 67.6%, reflects the impact of the efficacy of Governor Soludo’s policies and reforms.

Central to this feat is the abolition of barriers to education through the commencement of a Free Education policy by Governor Soludo, a bold stroke that struck at the heart of financial impediments hindering access to learning.

From early childhood care to the corridors of junior secondary schools, the spectre of hidden fees and levies has been banished, ensuring that every child, regardless of socio-economic background, can embark on the journey of knowledge without shackles.

But Governor Soludo’s vision extends far beyond mere accessibility; it encompasses a holistic revitalisation of the educational ecosystem. Secondary education, once a steep dream for many, has been brought within reach through a thoughtful reduction in fees, slashed by a staggering 98% to a nominal sum of N5,000 for Senior Secondary Schools while from primary to Junior secondary school remain totally free

This shift not only paves the way for a brighter future but also underscores the state’s salient commitment to nurturing talent and potential.

Crucially, the bedrock of any educational renaissance lies in the calibre of its teachers. Recognising this, Governor Soludo has since orchestrated an unprecedented recruitment drive, once enlisting 5,000 qualified teachers of impeccable merit to fortify the ranks of education’s vanguard. This infusion of talent elevates the standard of teaching as well as instills a renewed sense of purpose and dedication among the educational circle.

Yet, the winds of change blowing through Anambra’s educational landscape are not confined to the conventional realm. Embracing the digital age with open arms, technology has been seamlessly integrated into the learning experience, transforming classrooms into vibrant hubs of innovation and engagement.

Dilapidated schools, once symbols of neglect, are being reborn as modern sanctuaries of learning, fostering an environment conducive to the cultivation of knowledge and creativity.

Moreover, Governor Soludo’s vision extends beyond the confines of the classroom, encompassing a comprehensive overhaul of the educational paradigm. A renewed focus on professional development seeks to restore pride and excellence to the teaching profession, while a revamped curriculum ensures that students are equipped with the skills and knowledge requisite for the challenges of the digital era.

At the heart of all this transformation lies a commitment to accountability and community empowerment.

Through the establishment of Public-Community-Private Partnerships (PCPP) by Governor Soludo, Anambra communities are empowered to actively participate in school management, fostering a sense of ownership and stewardship.

Meanwhile, a competitive remuneration structure also ensures that teaching emerges not merely as a vocation but as a window of opportunity, attracting the best and brightest to its fold.

Thus, in the evolving Nigeria’s educational narrative, Governor Charles Soludo’s stewardship of Anambra State is proving to be a benchmark in the transformative power of visionary leadership.

Through his tireless dedication to education, he has not only kindled the flames of learning but has also ignited the sparks of excellence in the state.

As Anambra charts its course towards a future brimming with promise and possibility, it does so with the indelible imprint of Governor Soludo’s legacy guiding its path!

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FULL LIST: Out-of-school children across states in Nigeria (Ages 6–15)

1. Kebbi: 67.6%

2. Sokoto: 66.4%

3. Yobe: 62.9%

4. Zamfara: 61.3%

5. Bauchi: 55.7%

6. Borno: 54.2%

7. Jigawa: 51.1%

8. Gombe: 48%

9. Katsina: 45.9%

10. Niger: 42.8%

11. Kano: 39.2%

12. Taraba: 28.8%

13. Nasarawa: 25.4%

14. Plateau: 23.2%

15. Kwara: 22%

16. Kaduna: 21.9%

17. Adamawa: 21.7%

18. Oyo: 20.9%

19. Ogun: 20.5%

20. Benue: 18.4%

21. Ebonyi: 16.7%

22. Ondo: 13.8%

23. Osun: 12.8%

24. FCT: 12.8%

25. Edo: 11.3%

26. Akwa Ibom: 10.6%

27. Kogi: 10.2%

28. Delta: 9.3%

29. Rivers: 7.7%

30. Cross River: 7.6%

31. Enugu: 7.5%

32. Bayelsa: 7.4%

33. Lagos: 6.4%

34. Abia: 5.6%

35. Ekiti: 5.1%

36. Imo: 5.1%

37. Anambra: 2.9%

<NMPI 2022>

#TheCableIndex