Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Oyo State Branch, Dr. Foluke Olaniyi-George, has emphasized the need for urgent intervention to address the high number of out-of-school children in Northern Nigeria, particularly among girls. She made this call during a courtesy visit in Ibadan, where she was presented with the Sir Ahmadu Bello Sardauna Distinguished Merit Award by the National Association of Northern Nigerian Students (NANNS).
She highlighted that Northern Nigeria has the highest percentage of out-of-school children globally, with a significant portion being female. According to her, neglecting this issue sets Nigeria on a path of self-destruction, as education plays a crucial role in shaping future generations.
Dr. Olaniyi-George stressed that an educated mother is more likely to raise educated children, contributing to overall societal progress. She urged NANNS to use its platform to advocate for policies that support children’s education, especially for girls. Citing recent debates about children staying out of school during Ramadan, she warned that prolonged school absences often lead to issues such as child abuse and early marriage, preventing many girls from returning to school.
She called on policymakers to implement policies that prioritize education, stating that education acts as a key that opens doors to opportunities and development.
NANNS National President, Mr. Abdulrahman Ibrahim, said the award was in recognition of Dr. Olaniyi-George’s contributions and to foster collaboration, particularly in mentorship programs across various fields, including medicine. He also emphasized the need for national unity, stating that recognizing achievements across different regions helps bridge divides and brings young people together.
Dr. Olaniyi-George’s husband, Mr. Olaniyi-George, accepted the award on behalf of the family and expressed appreciation to the students for the honor.
