Momentum Builds as National Commission Intensifies Efforts to Capture Out-of-School Children in Bayelsa
Efforts by the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education to identify and enroll out-of-school children in Bayelsa State are gaining significant momentum, with civil society organizations (CSOs) working tirelessly around the clock to ensure no child is left behind.
The state coordinator of the Commission, Mr. Daniel Karamo, has been at the forefront of the campaign, offering continuous support and encouragement to the CSOs engaged in the fieldwork.
According to Mr. Karamo, the Commission is committed to restoring the right to education for every Nigerian child, especially in underserved communities.
“This is not just a data exercise—it’s a rescue mission,” Karamo said. “We are determined to make sure every child in Bayelsa, no matter how remote their community, is accounted for and given access to quality education.”
One of the standout contributors to the initiative is the Women Organized for Mentorship and Advocacy Network (WOMAN), a grassroots advocacy group that recently toured four communities in Nembe Local Government Area as part of the Commission’s ongoing mopping-up exercise.
The organization’s field team met with families, traditional leaders, and local authorities in a door-to-door campaign aimed at identifying out-of-school children and sensitizing parents on the importance of formal education. Their visit covered key communities including Ogbolomabiri, Bassambiri, and Otatubu in Nembe local government of Bayelsa state.
Speaking on the progress made, WOMAN’s Executive Director, Lady Eunice Nnachi, noted that community reception has been positive, with many parents expressing willingness to enroll their children once barriers such as poverty and access are addressed.
“We are not just counting children—we’re building hope, restoring futures, and advocating for sustainable change,” she said.
The mopping-up exercise is part of a national strategy to support the Federal Government’s goal of drastically reducing the number of out-of-school children across Nigeria, currently estimated in the millions.
As the campaign gathers momentum in Bayelsa, the collaboration between government agencies, CSOs, and community stakeholders continues to be crucial in bridging the educational gap and ensuring every child is seen, heard, and educated.
