Dr Christopher Otabor, an Orthopedic Surgeon and Medical Director of Alliance Hospital, has suggested that the Federal Government should strengthen its partnership with the private sector to enhance healthcare services and address the issue of out-of-school children in the country.
Dr Otabor made this statement during a visit to Delu Yakubu, the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, in Abuja on Friday.
He also mentioned that the office of the SSA to the President on Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation is working together with the hospital to tackle the problem of out-of-school children and ensure that people in local communities have access to high-quality medical care without any charges.
UNICEF reports that in Nigeria, one out of every three children is not attending school, with a total of 10.2 million at the primary level and 8.1 million at the junior secondary school level.
The organization also stated that one out of every five out-of-school children globally is located in Nigeria.
“I will deploy my team of medical doctors to conduct regular medical outreaches in the FCT communities, and we are prepared to undertake this task. In collaboration with the presidency, the team will identify and support underprivileged children by providing them with scholarships.
“In order to ensure a brighter future for Nigerian children, the Presidency should expand its collaboration to encompass the private sector,” Dr Otabor remarked.
According to Dr Otabor, many children are unable to attend school, and numerous Nigerians are unable to afford their medical expenses.
He stressed that through cooperation, there would be an increase in school enrollment and the provision of high-quality healthcare.
In response, Yakubu praised Otabor’s willingness to collaborate with the Federal Government in addressing the issue of out-of-school children and covering the medical costs of those in need.
Previously, she presented Dr Otabor with an award for excellence.
