By Michael Oche
The Galleon Bay Deck Chapter of the National Association of Seadogs (NAS) also known as Pyrates’ Confraternity, has called on the Federal Government to increase annual budgetary allocation to education in order to tackle Nigeria’s growing out-of-school children crisis, warning that the future of millions of children is at stake if urgent action is not taken.
The call was made in a statement signed on behalf of the Steerer of the Deck by Barr Emmanuel Aplife, to commemorate the 2025 International Literacy Day.
“This year’s event is a reminder to Nigeria’s deepening literacy crisis, and a caution that unless decisive action is taken, millions of children risk being locked out of education and the opportunities of the digital era,” the statement noted.
The Association also specifically called for more funding to improve library infrastructures to encourage reading culture.
Aplife who is a First Mate of the Deck noted that despite Nigeria’s status as Africa’s largest economy, the country continues to account for the world’s highest number of out-of-school children.
Quoting UNICEF data, the statement said more than 10.2 million children of primary school age are not enrolled in school, while UNESCO places the figure at 18.3 million when adolescents are included.
NAS described the situation as a “national emergency,” stressing that it undermines Nigeria’s ability to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to education, poverty eradication, gender equality, and reducing inequalities.
The association identified persistent obstacles such as poverty, insecurity, child labour, gender inequality, and inadequate infrastructure as key drivers of the crisis.
In response, the Galleon Bay Deck said it is aligning with the NAS Back to School Advocacy and Humanitarian Project, a coordinated initiative of NAS chapters across Nigeria and abroad.
Aplife explained that the project will combine advocacy with direct interventions such as tuition support, school materials, community outreach for vulnerable children and improving library infrastructures and books in the communities especially to aid indigent students.
“On this International Literacy Day, the Galleon Bay Deck reaffirms its resolve to collaborate and partner with organizations in championing literacy, digital access, and social justice. The task of bridging Nigeria’s literacy gap is urgent—and collective action is the only path to a brighter future for all Nigerian children.”
NAS further outlined six priority areas for urgent action which include allocation and monitoring of at least 20% of annual budgets to education, enforcement of free and compulsory basic education, expansion of affordable internet access, ICT centres, and digital devices.
Others include strengthening of social protection, including school feeding and scholarships, stronger partnerships between government, civil society, and the private sector, as well as accountability and transparency to ensure resources reach classrooms.
