FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has urged the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) to step up efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children in the Federal Capital Territory. During a meeting with UBEC officials, led by Executive Secretary Dr. Hamid Bobboyi in Abuja, Wike emphasized the importance of addressing this issue, which he described as a security concern.
He stressed the need for UBEC to remain committed to ongoing projects focused on the construction and renovation of schools, which are part of his administration’s priorities in the FCT. Wike pointed out that providing better educational infrastructure is key to keeping children off the streets.
On the matter of land allocation, the Minister clarified that the FCT Administration would only grant land to individuals or entities with proven capability to develop it. He expressed frustration that some land recipients leave their plots idle or sell them for profit, which undermines development efforts.
Dr. Hamid Bobboyi explained that the purpose of their visit was to follow up on a previous request for land allocation submitted to the Minister. He also appealed to Wike to support UBEC officials in securing housing after retirement.
REPORTER: NAOMI OLERIBE, ADBN NEWS.
