Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has promised to implement free and compulsory education at both primary and secondary school levels if elected president in 2027, placing education reform at the core of his policy agenda.

Atiku made the pledge while outlining his vision for Nigeria’s future, stressing that access to quality education remains a fundamental right for every child.

According to him, his administration would ensure that no Nigerian child is denied basic education due to financial constraints. He said the proposed policy would not only guarantee free schooling but also enforce compulsory attendance nationwide, targeting the country’s large population of out-of-school children.

Nigeria currently has one of the highest numbers of out-of-school children globally, driven by poverty, insecurity and inadequate educational infrastructure.

The former vice president also pledged to invest heavily in school infrastructure, teacher training and curriculum development to improve learning outcomes.

He added that his government would integrate technology and vocational skills into the education system to better prepare young Nigerians for employment and entrepreneurship.

Nigeria already operates the Universal Basic Education (UBE) programme, which provides free education at the primary and junior secondary levels.

However, experts say weak implementation, poor funding and lack of enforcement have limited its impact, leaving millions of children outside the formal school system.

Atiku’s proposal to expand free and compulsory education to cover full secondary schooling is expected to generate debate ahead of the 2027 general elections, as political actors present competing solutions to Nigeria’s education crisis.

Analysts note that while the plan is ambitious, its success would depend largely on sustainable funding, coordination with state governments and improved security, particularly in regions affected by insurgency and banditry.

The pledge underscores the growing focus on education as a key campaign issue, with stakeholders increasingly calling for urgent reforms to address systemic challenges in Nigeria’s education sector.