ADDRESSING THE ISSUE OF OUT-OF-SCHOOL CHILDREN IN NIGERIA: A MULTIDIMENSIONAL CRISIS AND POLICY FRAMEWORK FOR INTERVENTION

Nigeria is grappling with one of the most severe out-of-school children crises globally. Despite being a signatory to international conventions like the Education for All (EFA) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the country accounts for a significant proportion of the world's children deprived of formal education. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the persistent challenge of out-of-school children in Nigeria. It identifies and examines the multi-faceted drivers of this phenomenon, including socio-economic barriers, cultural and religious norms, insecurity, and the deteriorating quality of education. The paper argues that the issue is not merely one of access but a complex interplay of supply-side deficiencies and demand-side constraints. Using a desk-review methodology that synthesizes data from government publications, UNICEF, UNESCO, and other relevant literature, the study highlights the regional disparities, with Northern Nigeria being disproportionately affected. The paper concludes by proposing a robust, multi-sectoral policy framework that integrates financial investment, community engagement, security stabilization, and pedagogical reform as essential pillars for achieving inclusive and equitable quality education for all Nigerian children.