By Terna Chikpa, Jalingo


A House of Representatives aspirant in the upcoming by-election for Jalingo, Yoro and Zing Federal Constituency, Barrister Bilyaminu Lukman Maihanchi, has alleged that the trend of out-of-school children was breeding insecurity and prostitution in Nigeria.


Maihanchi made the claim in Jalingo, while reacting to Governor Agbu Kefas’s, declaration for free and compulsory basic education in Taraba said criminals were taking advantage of the out-of-school children to recruit them into terrorism since they could not afford education and other life challenges.


He lamented that over 10.5 million Nigerian children were Out-of-school, while 60 per cent were girl-children.


According to the human rights lawyer, the development was fast breeding insecurity and prostitution especially in the northern part of Nigeria where record has shown that, 8 million out of the over 10.5 million out of school children in the country were from the ten northern states of Nigeria with Taraba inclusive.


“I wish to commend governor Agbu Kefas for declaring free and compulsory basic education in Taraba. I wish to appeal to the federal government to also make  WAEC and NECO free for Nigerians.


“The alarming rate of out-of-school children is contributing to the growing insecurity and prostitution in Nigeria so, I believe that the decision of governor Kefas in ensuring compulsory education in Taraba would tackle the growing rate of criminality in the state.


“Available statistics has shown that, Nigeria has over 10.5 million Out-of-school children with 60 per cent of that figure representing the girl-child while, 8 million are from 10 northern Nigeria state with Taraba inclusive.


“Education is key to tackling insecurity and developing the Nigeria society. I wish to state here that governor Kefas decision on education in Taraba is best for Nigerians.


“Why many couldn’t afford education in Taraba is because, it became a privilege and not a right. The development that alarmingly boosted the rate of out of school children which is the easiest way for criminals to recruit young ones into terrorism and the girl child indulging into prostitution which hold not just Taraba but the entire nation backward.


“The declaration of free primary and secondary education and the slashing of school fees for the state university and the college of nursing and midwifery by 50 per cent is a commendable idea and best for the state.


“I also salute the governor for the bold step taken to boost Agricultural production by signing a contract with a Czech republic company for the supply of tractors for Taraba farmers,” Maihanchi expressed.