Nigeria continues to grapple with the challenge of out-of-school children, a crisis that has persisted despite previous national initiatives like the Universal Basic Education program. In Benue State, the issue is being tackled head-on. At the maiden Benue Basic Education Summit in Makurdi, Governor Rev. Fr.

Hyacinth Alia launched the Brace Up Project, complemented by student marshals in all local government areas to identify and track out-of-school children. The governor reaffirmed his commitment to free and compulsory basic education, emphasizing that education is a fundamental right for every child. The summit showcased the power of collaboration. Federal agencies like UBEC, UNICEF, and NCAOOSCE, along with Universal Learning Solutions, provided school kits, literacy programs, and structured learning tools like Jolly Phonics. Former Governor Senator Gabriel Suswam noted poverty as a key driver of the crisis, while community leaders like Tor Tiv Prof. Benue SUBEB, under Dr. Grace Adagba, reported significant reforms: over 9,000 teachers employed, improved welfare packages, upgraded school infrastructure, and revived early childhood and agricultural education.

The event ended with the Nigeria Union of Teachers awarding Governor Alia a gold recognition for his education-friendly policies, a symbolic nudge that leadership, vision, and sustained action can finally close the gap for Nigeria’s out-of-school children.