By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
An education expert at the FCT Universal Basic Education Board (FCT UBEB), Dr. O.I. Olorungbemi, has called for stronger transition support, increased financial assistance and improved security to reduce school dropout rates in Nigeria, saying the country’s 9-3-4 education system should be strengthened rather than abandoned.
In a policy analysis titled: “The Current National Policy on Education and School Dropout in Nigeria”, Olorungbemi argued that while the transition from junior to senior secondary school presents a point where some students discontinue their education, the major drivers of school dropout remain poverty, insecurity and socio-cultural factors.
According to the education specialist, the National Policy on Education’s 9-3-4 structure—which provides nine years of basic education, three years of senior secondary education and four years of tertiary education—offers learners multiple pathways, including technical, vocational and entrepreneurial education, enabling them to acquire employable skills and contribute to national development.
The paper noted that the policy allows students who do not wish to pursue the conventional academic route to enrol in technical colleges and vocational institutions, promoting human capital development while easing pressure on universities.
Olorungbemi, however, acknowledged concerns raised by education researchers that the transition between junior and senior secondary school may increase the risk of dropout, particularly among children from low-income families.
Citing findings from UNESCO and UNICEF, the paper stated that many Nigerian students fail to progress to senior secondary school because of financial hardship, child labour, early marriage, insecurity and limited access to schools, especially in rural communities.
The analysis also referenced Nigerian studies indicating that inadequate educational facilities, weak transition support mechanisms and economic constraints continue to hinder progression beyond the compulsory basic education level.
Despite these challenges, the expert maintained that blaming the education structure alone for school dropout would oversimplify the issue.
According to the paper, poverty remains the strongest predictor of school dropout, while insecurity, armed conflict, kidnapping, communal clashes, teenage pregnancy and cultural practices that discourage girls’ education also significantly affect school retention.
To address the problem, Olorungbemi recommended expanding financial support for vulnerable learners, improving access to senior secondary schools, strengthening security, enforcing stricter penalties against child trafficking and increasing public awareness on the value of education through professional counselling services.
The paper concluded that with coordinated social, economic and educational interventions, the objectives of Nigeria’s National Policy on Education can be fully realized while reducing the country’s school dropout rate.
