Participants at the one day colloquium on Out-of -School- Children organized by The Civil Society Network on Peace and Restorative Justice (CSNPRJ) in Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital have called for urgent collective action to address the menace of out-of-school children in Oyo State.
The participants further appealed for support and donations to register 100 inmates and dropouts, and those at the peak of dropping out of school, to afford them the opportunity to pick up their lives again and return to normalcy, just as they emphasized the need for stakeholders to work together to provide inclusive and innovative models for the children.
This was contained in a press release issued and jointly signed by the Chaplain Dr Chris Ajayi-Crowther FICMA Secretary, Committee of Friends and Well-wishers and Comrade (Dr) Rosemary Ada Odigbo CP, FICMA
Secretary, Child Rescue Project – (CSNPRJ
The programme which was held on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at the House of Chiefs, Parliament Building, Agodi, Ibadan was in collaboration with Peace for Africa Chaplains Fellowship and YERI.
The Convener, Bishop (Professor) Adegbolagun Ademola George in a remark said, “The out-of-school children crisis is not just a statistic, it is a mirror reflecting systemic inequalities, poverty, insecurity, and societal neglect.
The colloquium, themed “Exploring Alternative Education Pathways,” brought together stakeholders from government agencies, civil society organizations, and community leaders to discuss the pressing issue of out-of-school children in Oyo State.
The colloquium featured Launch of the Template for the Establishment of Alternative Education/School Programmes in Oyo State, Launch of two books:, “Breaking the Gate of Brass…Shutting the Door of Prison” and “Psychology of Soul Winners”
Other key highligght included- Discussions on challenges faced by out-of-school children and proposed alternative education/school programs
– Emphasis on the need for domestication of National policy guidelines on out-of-school children.
The colloquium featured panelists from various backgrounds, including: Pastor Tunji Agboa, Executive Director, Goodworkers Ministry Intl, Hon Josiah Olufemi, Former Special Assistant to Oyo State Governor on Community Relations
Attendees included representatives from: University of Ibadan-Faculty of Education, NDLEA, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo State Community Chest Council, SUBEB, ANFFE, NSCDC, CPN and AON.
Others are NACTAL, NCWS,FOMWAN, Judiciary, FRCN, WOWICAN, National Association Voluntary Youth Organisation and the Oyo State House of Assembly.
The colloquium featured a special award ceremony, where wife of the Oyo State Governor, Engr Olufunke Tamunominini Makinde, was recognized for her passion for vulnerable education, gender peace, and community development.
Others included, Chief Saheed Oladele, Baameko of Ibadanland and Chairman/CEO, Erudite Group of Schools, who received the Excellence in Community Leadership and Development Award.
Meanwhile, Pastor Mrs Oluwatoyin Ogedengbe, wife of the Executive Assistant to the State Governor on Administration and former State Coordinator, Child Protection Network (CPN), was scheduled to receive an award, but the ceremony was postponed.
Renowned Archbishop Ayo L.S Ladigbolu JP, SPE, FICMA in his remark said, “Education is a fundamental right, and every child deserves access to quality education.”
