Ten years ago, 276 schoolgirls were abducted in Chibok, Nigeria, by the terrorist group Boko Haram. Bandits have stepped in to kidnap and terrorize communities. Since 2014, according to Save the Children, more than 1600 children have been abducted or kidnapped across northern Nigeria. In this context, civil society groups continue to pressure the government to ensure the end of this war and the rescue of children still in captivity. One of the major impacts of this war on children has so far been the phenomenon of Out of School Children.

At the time the Nigerian chapter of World BEYOND War is holding its national congress, it’s worth noting that the menace of Out of School Children in Nigeria is alarming and continues to threaten national peace and security. 1 in 3 children aged 6 - 18 are out of school with 10.2 million at the primary level, 8.1 million at the junior secondary school (JSS) level and 12.4 million children never attended school with 5.9 million left school early- accounting for over 20 Million (15%) children out of school in Nigeria. Violations of children’s right to education have increased their risk to violence, abuse, neglect, exploitation and recruitment to extremist groups. If this is not mitigated immediately, national peace and security would be threatened and its attendant effects on budgetary provisions will be alarming. Thus the time to act is now to mitigate this anomaly.

The goal of this webinar is to critically examine the root causes of Out of School Children including conflicts and their effects on national security. It falls within the congress objectives to (1) create a platform for continuous discussion on the consequences of conflicts and the implications of Out of School Children on national security; and (2) to take a look at the factors responsible for the escalation of Out of School Children in Nigeria and raise discussions on how best to mitigate this challenge.

The panel discussion will focus on the following talking points:

1. Out of School Children and effect on national security;
2. The role of Government in Vocational, Technical and Entrepreneurship Education in Nigeria;
3. Delta state, Nigeria: a case study of evidence based Vocational, Technical and Entrepreneurial Education in achieving peace and growth;
4. The impact of violence and wars in the education of children.

Speakers

Obi Jane

Obiora Jane is the Coordinator, Centre for Peace Advancement and Socio-Economic Development (CPAED), Africa Regional Coordinator, Demo.Rest, National Coordinator, World BEYOND War Nigeria-Chapter (NG-WBW) and Chairperson of Open Government partnership (OGP) on improving Service delivery SAPII.


Ilugo Cletus

Ilugo Cletus C.D is an experienced Economic diversification and Development strategist, Conflict and Business Development Specialist who had worked with grassroots and international organizations, financial organizations and manufacturing organizations for the past 19 years. He is currently working as  the Nigeria Local Coalition Accelerator Country Lead with Share Trust/Warande Advisory Center, Nigeria.

Dr. Aderonke Kujore

Dr. Aderonke Kujore was born in Lagos, Nigeria and attended Unilag Nursery School, Staff School and International School Lagos (ISL). In the earliest days of her career she focused on leading projects and programs in the technology and financial services industries. Most recently, she has been dedicating her time and efforts to technology consulting locally and internationally in the private sector and government, and philanthropically developing the next generation of valued Nigerian citizens through the Aderonke Foundation programs.

Guy Feugap

Guy Feugap is the Africa Organizer for World BEYOND War. He is a secondary school teacher, writer, and peace activist, based in Cameroon. He has long worked to educate youths for peace and non-violence. His work has put young girls in particular at the heart of crisis resolution and awareness raising on several issues in their communities. He joined WILPF (Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom) in 2014 and founded the Cameroon Chapter of World BEYOND War in 2020.

Moderator

Obi Musa

Born in Nasarawa State, Obi Musa attended Government Technical College Bukuru. He is a Lecturer with Kaduna Polytechnic and Bayero University, Kano. Now a Geotechnical and Mining Engr. Married with Children. Currently a PL in Kaduna Polytechnic and Director of Communication, Resource Mobilization and Partnership - Centre for Peace Advancement and Socio-Economic Development CPAED).

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