Atiku bemoans high rate of school drop outs in Nigeria

From Umar Dankano, Yola.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has raises alarm over the magnitude of students dropping out of schools in the country, attributing the ugly trend to poverty and governments negligence.
Abubakar raised the alarm in Yola at the American University of Nigeria, Yola,(AUN) 12th Annual Founder’s Day and commissioning ceremonies for 2017, observing that with the disturbing rate of how youthful Nigerians are rooming the streets without going to learning outlets(schools) is a serious and dangerous challenge that must be addressed forthwith.
Abubakar regretted that these teeming youths are the future of our country and must be given necessary potentials to face the global speed in the scheme of things.
He said during their tenure in office, they had passed the laws for compulsory and free education of children in the country.
He also expressed commitment in the continued support in developing education even as a private individual.
Atiku called on both state and federal governments to invest heavily in the educational sector so as to have enough educated manpower.
Earlier, in her welcome address, President of University, Dr. Dawn Dekle said that the university was established thirteen years ago to offer a world-class ,American style university education to Nogerians and African youth.
“AUN’s approach is rooted in the liberal arts curriculum with an emphasis on producing well-rounded graduates and global citizens,who will take centre stage in key areas of politics,economy,business,IT and administration.
“Today’s Nigeria and Africa ‘s prosperity will thrive in the ability of citizens to establish businesses that will drive the economy. At AUN, we train students to become entrepreneurs who believe in themselves, and meaningfully explore the opportunities in the community they find themselves, “ Dekle stated
In his keynote address, guest speaker at the occasion, Mr.Joe Perkinson,the African Bureau chief the Wall Street Journal hammered on the importance of education to the teeming youths across the globe which needs to be guarded jealously.
Perkinson observed with dismay the global misuse of social media especially in spreading negative information to the target audience which he suggested must be checked immediately.