Warning of dire consequences, former President Olusegun Obasanjo stated that the growing number of out-of-school children in the country poses a significant risk for future Boko Haram recruitment if not addressed promptly.
He made this remark on Sunday in Bauchi during the inauguration of the dualized seven-kilometer Awala-Mairuguri Road and the 17.70-kilometer Awalah-Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa National Airport Road, alongside the 30-kilometer Gubi-Ruda Bida-Siyi-Nasarawa Road.
In his speech, Obasanjo underscored the vital role of education and human capacity building in fostering development and ensuring a safer society. “The World Bank reports that we have over 20 million out-of-school children who should be in school,” he said. “With a population of about 220 to 230 million, this accounts for 10 percent of our population that is missing out on education.”
He urged the governor of Bauchi State and others in attendance, remarking, “This situation represents recruitment for future Boko Haram, and it’s something we cannot ignore.” He elaborated, “By failing to equip this 10 percent to develop their potential, we are setting them up for recruitment in 10 or 15 years for whatever form of Boko Haram may arise then.”
Obasanjo called on leaders at all levels to unite in seeking a lasting resolution to this issue. He commended Governor Bala Mohammed for the road construction initiatives, emphasizing their potential to create new opportunities for development.
Governor Mohammed highlighted that the roads are part of his administration’s broader transformative vision, noting that they have constructed over 116 roads totaling 1,482.25 kilometers, with 79 already completed and ready for inauguration.
In addition, Obasanjo launched a program to distribute 10,000 hearing aids to disadvantaged individuals from the Northeast in Bauchi, organized by the Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation in collaboration with Starkey Hearing Foundation.
