By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Education is the foundation of any thriving society, yet millions of children around the world remain out of school, deprived of the knowledge and skills needed to secure a better future, expert and founder, Caleb Danladi Foundation (CDF), Captain Caleb Danladi Bako, has said.
Bako, who disclosed this in a statement yesterday in Kaduna, also expressed fears that the crisis is particularly severe in developing nations where poverty, conflict, and inadequate infrastructure created insurmountable barriers to attainment of formal education.
He said without urgent intervention, affected children risk being left behind in an increasingly technology-driven world, thus perpetuating cycles of poverty and limiting national development.
To break the cycle, the CDF Chief Executive Officer (CEO) said it is essential to harness the power of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) innovation to create inclusive, accessible, and transformative learning opportunities for out-of-school children.
According to him, the global shift towards a digital and knowledge-based economy demands a workforce equipped with STEM skills.
He, however, stated that “millions of children lack access to even the most basic education, let alone exposure to advanced subjects such as coding, robotics, or Artificial Intelligence.”
Accordingly, he noted that traditional classroom models, while effective in structured environments, failed to reach marginalized children who live in remote areas, conflict zones, or impoverished communities.
“This is where innovation through STEM can play a transformative role by offering flexible, scalable, and engaging learning solutions.
“One of the most promising approaches to addressing this crisis is the use of technology-driven education. Digital learning platforms, mobile applications, and virtual classrooms provide opportunities for children to acquire foundational knowledge even in the absence of physical schools.
“Low-cost tablets, solar-powered learning centers, and mobile education buses can bring lessons to children in underserved regions, allowing them to learn at their own pace.
‘Interactive STEM programs that incorporate gamification and hands-on experiments can also make learning more engaging, ensuring that children develop problem-solving skills and creativity from an early age,” he noted.
Bako explained that technology-driven education opens huge doors for skill acquisition.
He said:”Innovation in STEM education also opens the door to alternative pathways for skill acquisition. Many out-of-school children are forced into informal labor at a young age, limiting their ability to pursue conventional education.
“By integrating STEM-based vocational training into community programs, children can acquire marketable skills in fields such as renewable energy, digital technology, and engineering.
“These skills not only prepare them for employment but also empower them to become entrepreneurs and innovators in their communities.
“A young girl who learns to build solar panels or repair electronic devices, for instance, gains the ability to contribute to her local economy while securing a sustainable livelihood.
”Partnerships between governments, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector are critical in scaling up these solutions.
“Through targeted STEM initiatives, we aim to provide innovative learning solutions that equip out-of-school children with the knowledge and skills to build better futures.”
