Investing in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics STEM-based solutions for out-of-school children is not just an educational necessity but economic and social imperative.
A non governmental organisation Caleb Danladi Foundation stated this while speaking on the challenges of out of school and the importance of Science and Technology Innovation in this modern days of technological development.
The chief executive officer of the NGO, Captain Caleb Danladi Bako noted that as the world advances technologically, failure to equip children with the right skills will lead to widening inequalities and lost potential.
He said for Nigeria to create a brighter future, action must taking now to ensure that no child is left behind in the pursuit of knowledge and opportunity.
He emphasised that Partnerships between governments, non-governmental organizations, and the organised private sector are critical in scaling up the solutions to out of school innovation in Nigeria.
Captain Bako said Policy makers must also recognize that traditional education systems alone cannot bridge the gap, hence the need to invest in alternative learning models that leverage Sciences Technology Engineering and Mathematics, STEM.
He lamented that many out-of-school children are forced into informal labor at a young age, limiting their ability to pursue conventional education stressing that introducing them into skills would not only prepare them for employment but also empower them to become entrepreneurs and innovators in their communities.
Captain Bako said the Caleb Danladi Foundation is committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of circumstance, has access to quality education through targeted STEM initiatives, to provide innovative learning solutions that equip out-of-school children with the knowledge and skills to build better futures.
''Education is the foundation of any thriving society, yet millions of children around the world remain out of school, deprived of the knowledge and skills needed to secure a better future.
To break this cycle, it is essential to harness the power of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) innovation to create inclusive, accessible, and transformative learning opportunities for out-of-school childre.
Integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, STEM-based vocational training into community programs, would help children to acquire marketable skills in fields such as renewable energy, digital technology, and engineering." Captain Bako said.
The CEO of Caleb Danladi Foundation who lamented that millions of children lack access to even the most basic education, let alone exposure to advanced subjects such as coding, robotics, or artificial intelligence, said the global shift towards a digital and knowledge-based economy demands a workforce equipped with STEM skills.