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Over 120m Young Nigerians Aged 15-24 Can’t Read/Write — Expert

Published

2 years ago

May 19, 2023

Editor

A Consultant Obstetrician Gynaecologist and Public Health Physician, Mairo Mandara, has disclosed that over 120 million young Nigerians aged 15-24 cannot read or write.

Of the number, she said 60 percent which accounts for 72 million were females. She made this known at a round table engagement with traditional and interfaith leaders in advocating for partnership to improve human capital development through girl-child education, in Abuja.

Mandara, who also doubles as the Special Adviser and Coordinator, Sustainable Development, Partnerships and Humanitarian Response to Borno State Governor, said only 70 percent of children entering primary education in sub-Saharan Africa complete their education.

“significance of girls education in improving MNCH outcomes and fast-tracking Nigeria’s demographic transition” she revealed that in junior secondary schools, only 29.5 percent and in senior secondary schools only 13.9 percent complete schooling.

She added that, “The capacity of our schools to accommodate graduates of primary education at the secondary level in Africa is currently at 36 percent. Girls’ enrolment in secondary school is only between 30-35 percent and completion about 14 percent. Girls are particularly disadvantaged by societal dynamics that limit their participation in school.

“Nearly two-thirds of women in the North West and North East regions have no education, compared to less than 15 percent in the South-South. Drop-out rates are highest at the sixth grade of primary school and higher among girls than boys. Approximately 28 percent of girls between the ages of 15–19 are already married. 23 percent of girls aged 15-19 years are already mothers or pregnant with their first child.”

Mandara emphasised that it was important that young Nigerians especially the girl-child had a minimum education of at least secondary school.

This was she explained that improving girls’ education can lead to large changes, the empowerment of women and can have major effects on economic and social development.

According to her, “Studies have documented how education improves maternal and child health and improve the lives of women, children and families. Each year of secondary education reduces the likelihood of marrying as a child before the age of 18 by five percentage points or more.

“One extra year of schooling increases an individual’s earnings by up to 10 percent. A child born to a mother who can read and write is 50 percent more likely to survive past the age of 5.

“Women that have secondary education have higher rates of attending antenatal care, hospital delivery, immunize their children and seek medical care when they or their family are sick, use family planning and take more informed decision about life.

“Completion of Primary School has no statistically significant impact. A child born to a mother who can read and write is 50 percent more likely to survive past the age of 5, and that child is more likely to go to school. An educated child also does better financially.”

To this end, she urged fathers to take the lead by encouraging parents to ensure every child, especially the girl child at least completes secondary school.

Mandara said, “Our fathers, the ball is your courts. We need you to use your influence and ensure every ward has at least one full secondary school from JSS to SSS. Advocate for policy to make completion of secondary school as the minimum basic education not JSS as this has no significant impact on the lives of girls and improvement in maternal and child health. Please take the lead and improve the future of Nigeria and our communities.”

News

Enugu Sets Deadline For Digital Charting Of Private Layouts

Published

2 minutes ago

October 2, 2025

Editor

The Enugu State Government has directed that all registered private layouts and plans be submitted to the Office of the Surveyor General for digital charting and endorsement, as part of its land digitalisation reforms.

In a public service announcement issued on Wednesday, the Surveyor General of Enugu State, Chime Justus, said the exercise would run between October 1 and December 31, 2025.

“In line with the Enugu State Government’s directive on land digitalisation, all registered private layouts and plans are required to be presented to the Office of the Surveyor General of Enugu State for digital charting and endorsement,” the statement read.

According to him, the process would guarantee “security of property ownership, legitimacy of land documents, and a clear digital identity for all parcels of land.”

The government warned that effective January 1, 2026, only layouts and plans that had been digitally registered, charted, and endorsed would be recognised as valid.

“Any layout or plan not digitally endorsed by this date will be delisted and deemed invalid,” Justus stated.

The move, authorities say, is aimed at strengthening land administration, reducing disputes, and ensuring greater transparency in property documentation across the state.

In 2024, Governor Peter Mbah launched the Enugu State Geographic Information System, a digital platform designed to streamline land title applications and ensure seamless processing within 48 hours.

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Progress Means Food On Tables, Not Statistics, CAN Tells FG

Published

6 minutes ago

October 2, 2025

Editor

The Christian Association of Nigeria has urged the Federal Government to ensure that the gains of its economic reforms translate into real improvements in the lives of citizens, stressing that true progress cannot be measured by statistics alone.

President Bola Tinubu, in his Independence Day address, had highlighted Nigeria’s economic growth, noting that the country’s GDP grew by 4.23 per cent in the second quarter of 2025 — the fastest pace in four years — surpassing the International Monetary Fund’s 3.4 per cent projection.

He also said inflation had dropped to 20.12 per cent, the lowest level in three years, attributing the achievements to “sound monetary and fiscal policies” that had delivered 12 notable milestones.

But in his Independence Day message marking Nigeria’s 65th anniversary, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, congratulated the nation while cautioning that reforms must be judged by their impact on households, not just on paper.

“True progress must be measured not only by statistics but by the food on every table, the security of every community, and the opportunities available to every child,” Okoh said.

The Christian body acknowledged progress in education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and telecommunications since independence, noting that the country had moved from “a handful of schools and institutions” to thousands producing generations of professionals.

However, it warned that millions of Nigerians were yet to feel the benefits of reforms.

“Economic reforms, while necessary, have brought temporary hardship for millions. The rising cost of living, food insecurity, unemployment, and inflation continue to weigh heavily on households,” CAN said.

Okoh also expressed concern that insecurity threatened to overshadow the country’s achievements.

“Security remains an urgent concern. Terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and communal conflicts have caused deep pain and displacement. While strides have been made in restoring safety, more still needs to be done to guarantee the protection of lives and property,” he said.

The association called for stronger collaboration between security agencies, communities, and faith-based organisations to consolidate peace across the country.

It further urged the government to prioritise youth empowerment to stem the “persistent brain drain” and tap into the creativity and potential of young Nigerians.

“To stem this tide, there must be greater investment in education, innovation and youth empowerment, ensuring that no young Nigerian is left behind,” CAN stated.

Archbishop Okoh also reminded citizens of their civic responsibilities, calling on Nigerians to pay taxes faithfully, support local production, and uphold justice and equity.

“On this anniversary, let us renew our commitment to justice, equity, and good governance. Let us embrace hard work… and show love to one another as one people under God,” he added.

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LAUTECH Resident Doctors Suspend Strike

Published

24 minutes ago

October 2, 2025

Editor

The Association of Resident Doctors at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, has suspended its indefinite strike after two months.

The doctors announced the decision on Wednesday in a letter to the Chief Medical Director, Prof. Olakulehin Olawale, citing assurances made by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, during his visit to the hospital on Tuesday, September 30.

They confirmed that clinical services will resume by 8 a.m. on Thursday, October 2, but stressed the need for sustained government commitment to resolving their demands.

The strike, which began on July 29, was triggered by poor working conditions, inadequate medical equipment, and welfare-related issues.

For weeks, patients in Ogbomoso and neighbouring towns were forced to seek treatment elsewhere, with emergency and specialist services at the teaching hospital largely unavailable.

Their letter was signed by ARD President, Dr. Adedokun Stephen, and General Secretary, Dr. Mustapha Adedapo, the doctors said:

It read: “On behalf of the Association of Resident Doctors, LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, we write to formally notify the hospital management of the suspension of our two-month industrial action following an Emergency General Meeting of the congress on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.

“This decision was reached in honour of the visit of His Excellency, Engineer Seyi Makinde, Executive Governor of Oyo State, to our institution on September 30, 2025, and in recognition of his sincere commitment to resolving the longstanding demands of our association. His engagement with stakeholders and the assurances given during the visit have been received with optimism and goodwill.

“Accordingly, members of ARD LAUTECH Teaching Hospital will resume full clinical duties by 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 2, 2025.

“We look forward to a renewed spirit of collaboration with the incoming hospital board, as we collectively work towards meeting pending demands and repositioning LAUTECH Teaching Hospital in line with the mandate and vision of His Excellency.”

The suspension of the strike comes as a major relief to residents of Ogbomoso, who rely heavily on the teaching hospital for affordable care.