An educationist, Alhaja Romoke Adedokun, has called on the Federal Government to make education free at all levels to reduce the number of out-of-school children in the country.

Adedokun, who is the Proprietress of Adedokun International Schools, made the call on Friday during the school’s valedictory service for the outgoing SS3 students at Iyana-Iyesi, Ogun.

The event had the theme: “Unbound Class of 2025 Graduation.”

She identified poverty and lack of financial resources among parents, especially those with children in public schools, as the major factors contributing to the increasing number of out-of-school children.

“The Federal Government needs to return to the era where it provided basic educational materials such as uniforms, textbooks, chairs and tables for students.

“At the university level, the government should also consider reintroducing the provision of three square meals, as it was in the past.

“If the government can subsidise learning materials and other educational needs, it will drastically reduce the number of children roaming the streets,” she said.

Adedokun warned that the government must not allow the push for civilisation to distract it from its core responsibility of funding education.

She used the occasion to commend the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, for prioritising technical and vocational education, adding that such skills are crucial for national development.

“Developed countries have advanced in technology because they embraced technical and vocational training early,” she said.

She also called for increased budgetary allocation to the education sector to enhance quality and reach.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the school, Mr Niyi Adedokun, urged parents to encourage their children to aspire for academic excellence, particularly by aiming for first-class degrees.

According to him, achieving academic distinction will open doors for employment opportunities and scholarships both locally and internationally.

He enjoined the graduating students to remain disciplined, attend lectures regularly whenever they gain admission into the university and be good ambassadors of the school.

Also speaking, the school Principal, Dr Mike Fatukasi, congratulated the 92 graduating students, noting that they had demonstrated exceptional resilience, adaptability, and determination during their academic journey.

Fatukasi charged the students to use education as a tool to drive positive change in Nigeria and the world at large.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a recent United Nations Children’s Fund report revealed that Nigeria has about 18.3 million out-of-school children.