Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State to tackle the persistent challenge of out-of-school children and improve the quality of education nationwide, education experts are urging Nigerians to actively complement government efforts in education reform. Speaking at the kickoff of the 2025 holiday coaching program organized by the Tola Adebajo Foundation (TAF), leadership consultant Femi Oluyemi stressed that government efforts alone are insufficient to close the educational divide.
He highlighted that while the government has implemented commendable policies aimed at reforming the education sector, a sustainable impact can only be achieved when private individuals, community groups, and organizations join forces with these initiatives. According to Oluyemi, these stakeholders can bridge critical gaps by providing essential resources to ensure no child is left behind in the pursuit of academic excellence.
The holiday coaching initiative, which drew over 2,000 young learners at St. James Anglican Primary School in Atikori, Ijebu Igbo, aims not only to support students academically during the long vacation but also to instill discipline, teamwork, and a sense of purpose. "This program is designed to help students consolidate their learning and improve academic performance while preparing them for the upcoming school term," Oluyemi explained.
The call for a collective approach aligns with the broader national concern about educational disparities, especially between different regions and social groups. Experts note that Nigeria faces a serious education crisis characterized by high numbers of out-of-school children, inconsistent funding, and limited infrastructure. Bridging these gaps is essential for fostering economic growth, reducing unemployment among the youth, and promoting societal transformation.
In addition, innovative solutions like education technology (EdTech) are being championed as scalable ways to address resource shortages and enhance learning access across Nigeria’s diverse regions. Collaboration between government, private sector, communities, and international partners is seen as the key to unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s youth through inclusive and quality education.
The holiday coaching program by TAF stands as a model example of how community-driven projects can make a difference by creating productive learning environments during critical periods, thus reinforcing the government's educational agenda. Participants and organizers alike remain hopeful that with sustained cooperation, education in Nigeria will move closer to fulfilling the constitutional right to free and compulsory education for all children.
The ongoing dialogue serves as a reminder that bridging the education gap requires more than policies it demands active participation from all Nigerians to secure a brighter future for the nation's children and the country at large.