A Nigerian corporate organisation, A. P. MCNISI Limited, has warned that the rising number of out-of-school children in the country could undermine economic growth, worsen insecurity and threaten Nigeria’s long-term development if urgent measures are not taken.
The company called for sustained investment in education, vocational training and social support systems, describing access to quality education as a critical foundation for building a productive workforce and a stable society.
In a statement by its Chief Information Officer, Abdulmuiz Oshodi, titled “A Looming Danger: Why Nigeria Cannot Afford an Uneducated Generation,” the company expressed concern that millions of Nigerian children and young people remain excluded from quality learning opportunities needed to prepare them for productive adulthood.
A. P. MCNISI Limited said Nigeria’s large youthful population should be viewed as a major economic advantage, but warned that failure to invest adequately in education could turn the country’s demographic strength into a major challenge.
The company stated:
“Nigeria has one of the highest numbers of out-of-school children in the world. Millions of young people grow up without access to consistent schooling, vocational training, or a clear path toward productive adulthood.”
It added:
“An uneducated youth population feeds cycles of poverty, weakens the workforce a growing economy depends on, and creates fertile ground for crime, exploitation, and unrest.”
The organisation stressed that the education challenge goes beyond a social or humanitarian issue, arguing that it has become an economic and national security concern requiring urgent attention from government, businesses and civil society groups.
While acknowledging ongoing government efforts to expand access to higher education, the company described the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) initiative as an important intervention that demonstrates the willingness of young Nigerians to pursue education when financial barriers are reduced.
According to the statement:
“A. P. MCNISI Limited sees NELFUND as proof of concept: that when the right structures are put in place, Nigeria’s youth respond. The demand is there. The talent is there. What has often been missing is the sustained investment to unlock it.”
However, the company noted that initiatives focused on tertiary education alone cannot resolve the wider education crisis because many children are unable to progress to higher institutions due to poverty, homelessness, limited access to basic education and other social challenges.
It therefore urged private sector organisations to complement government efforts by investing in programmes that support vulnerable children through feeding initiatives, shelter, scholarships, foundational education and vocational skills development.
The company said partnerships with non-governmental organisations and community-based groups would be essential in reaching children and young people who remain outside the formal education system.
Highlighting its own contribution, A. P. MCNISI Limited said it had begun supporting vulnerable children through partnerships with NGOs by providing assistance in areas such as feeding, accommodation and education, while also creating entry-level employment opportunities for young people transitioning from such support programmes.
The organisation said:
“We do not see this as charity in the traditional sense. We see it as an investment in the workforce we will need, the customers our economy will depend on, and the stability our communities require to thrive.”
The company called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, private organisations, development partners and civil society groups to address Nigeria’s education challenges.
It warned that continued delays in tackling the problem could deepen future economic and social difficulties, but maintained that coordinated action and sustained investment could still reverse the trend.
According to A. P. MCNISI Limited, providing children and young Nigerians with access to education and skills development remains one of the most effective ways to strengthen the economy, improve national stability and secure the country’s future.