Mr Patrick Ifon, the President, National Association of Seadogs, Atlantic Shores Deck, Eket, Akwa Ibom, has decried the number of out-of-school children in the state.Ifon who spoke at an event to commemorate the 2025 International Literacy Day (ILD), in Eket on Saturday, urged Gov. Umo Eno to take steps towards reducing the number of out-of-school children in the state.Represented by the Spokesperson, Mr George McAnthony, the president said it was worrisome that many children were out of school despite the free and compulsory universal basic education policy.He urged the state government to make it mandatory for every school-aged child in Akwa Ibom to have access to basic education and literacy.It would be recalled that ILD is celebrated annually on Sept. 8, and thetheme of the 2025 edition is: “Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era”Ifon further stated that the association had donated books, educational materials and essential medications to children in the state to commemorate the day.“Illiteracy is one of the greatest barriers to empowerment and community development. The is worsened by the economic hardship in the country,” he said.He said that UNICEF recently reported that that no fewer than 10.2 million school-aged children were out of school.“UNESCO estimates that the figure is over 18.3 million when adolescents are included. Available statistics indicate that more children live on the streets and in overcrowded homes.“This development leaves many children in vulnerable states, meaning that they can be exploited and abused,” he said.According to him, the challenges manifest in declining school completion rates, limited digital literacy, and reduced employment opportunities.He urged parents and guardians to show responsibility by enrolling their children and wards in schools in the interest of their future.(
Association Decries Number of out-of-School Children in A’Ibom
Mr. Patrick Ifon, President of the Atlantic Shores Deck, Eket chapter of the National Association of Seadogs, has expressed deep concern over the high number of out-of-school children in Akwa Ibom State.Speaking at an event in Eket on Saturday to mark the 2025 International Literacy Day (ILD), Mr. Ifon called on Governor Umo Eno to implement decisive measures to address the issue. He was represented at the event by the association’s spokesperson, Mr. George McAnthony.The president described the situation as alarming, noting that many children remain out of school despite the existing policy of free and compulsory universal basic education. He urged the state government to enforce measures ensuring every school-aged child in Akwa Ibom has access to basic education.The 2025 ILD was celebrated under the theme, “Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era.” To commemorate the day, Mr. Ifon announced that the association had donated books, educational materials, and essential medications to children in the state.He emphasized that illiteracy is a significant barrier to empowerment and community development, a problem exacerbated by the current economic hardship in the country.Citing recent data, Mr. Ifon referenced a UNICEF report indicating that at least 10.2 million school-aged children are out of school, a figure that UNESCO estimates rises to over 18.3 million when adolescents are included. He noted that available statistics show a growing number of children living on the streets or in overcrowded homes, leaving them in a vulnerable state susceptible to exploitation and abuse.According to him, these challenges result in declining school completion rates, limited digital literacy, and reduced future employment opportunities. He concluded by urging parents and guardians to act responsibly by enrolling their children and wards in school to secure a better future for them.