By Joy Obomase

MTN Nigeria, Monday announced that it  would devote the next 21 days to promoting campaigns that would assist the nation in developing its educational sector.

Speaking during the opening ceremony of its 21 Days Yellow care campaign in Lagos, the chairman, MTN Nigeria, Dr. Pascal Dozie said that the 21days of yellow care translates to various community building activities  which MTN engages itself in to reciprocate the support of various communities in which it operates.

Explaining why this year’s theme is Investing in education for all, Dozie said that, “each year’s activity is guided by an overarching theme i am pleased that this year’s theme touches on investment on education.

“As with MTN well-established corporate Social Investment initiatives in the area of education, our efforts through out this year’s yellow care programme are aimed at shaping Nigeria’s future through education. This is because we recognise the pivotal role that education plays in the development of our nation.

“Given the current state of affairs, I believe that the private sector, civil society, parents and indeed everyone have a collective role to play in ensuring that our children receive quality education.

A look at some of the statistics might help us better understand the enormity of our current educational challenges and the need for urgent action. According to the United Nations Educational, scientific and cultural organization {UNESCO}10.5 Million Nigerian children of school-age are out of school, making Nigeria home to the largest number of out-school in Africa. 40% Of Nigeria children aged 6-11 do not attend primary school.

“30% of Nigerian children drop out of primary school Only 54% of Nigerian students transit to junior secondary school The proportion of girls to boys in school in Nigeria is approximately 1 girl to 3 boys.

“There also continues to be insufficient funding to cover the education of our growing population, particularly in science and technology.

“The reality,  is that the future of our children, the future of this great nation rests on our willingness to make a commitment to contribute in any way we can to the growth of education in Nigeria” he added.