FCT public school students receive learning support amid widening education gap

Students of Government Junior Secondary School, Jikwoyi, Abuja, received learning materials and mentorship support on Tuesday as concerns continue to grow over rising learning gaps and school completion challenges among Nigerian children.

 

 

The outreach, organised by Strom Foundation under the second edition of its “100 Bright Minds Initiative,” was held to commemorate the 2026 Children’s Day celebration and focused on encouraging students at the junior secondary school level to remain committed to their education.

 

 

The initiative comes amid troubling education statistics across the country. According to UNICEF, about 8.1 million children of junior secondary school age in Nigeria are currently out of school, while nearly 74 per cent of children between ages seven and 14 reportedly lack basic reading and mathematics skills.

 

 

Education stakeholders have also raised concerns over the growing number of students unable to complete secondary education, with an estimated 4.2 million children failing to complete junior secondary school annually.

 

 

During the outreach, students participated in interactive mentorship sessions where they discussed career aspirations, personal challenges, and academic goals. Learning materials were also distributed to support classroom activities.

 

 

Speaking during the event, Blessing David-Offiong, Program Officer of Strom Foundation, said children require more than classroom access to succeed academically.

 

 

“Every child deserves more than a seat in a classroom. They deserve the tools, guidance, and confidence to believe that their future is worth preparing for,” she said.

 

 

The programme also highlighted the pressure on public schools within the Federal Capital Territory. Data from the FCT Universal Basic Education Board (FCTUBEB) shows that public junior secondary schools in the territory currently cater to about 197,149 students across JSS1 to JSS3.

 

 

She noted that the outreach formed part of broader efforts to support young learners early enough to improve confidence, academic performance, and long-term opportunities.

 

 

The foundation noted that investments in education and mentorship remain critical to preparing future leaders and addressing wider social and economic challenges across the country adding that it would continue to partner with schools and communities to support initiatives aimed at keeping children in school and encouraging academic excellence among young Nigerians.