Firm rallies private capital against out-of-school crisis

Amid Nigeria’s deepening out-of-school children crisis, now estimated at 18.3 million, Browncon Group of Companies has unveiled a private sector-driven initiative to tackle the challenge and expand access to education.

The initiative was announced at the firm’s 10th anniversary gala held in Abuja at the weekend. The event also saw the launch of a book entitled Build With Courage: Faith, Discipline and the Journey of Becoming and the unveiling of the Brownton Care Foundation.

Data from UNICEF 2024 Situation Analysis shows that 94% of out-of-school children in Nigeria are multidimensionally poor. In at least seven northern states, the figure exceeds 50%, highlighting the severity of the crisis.

Samuel Ndubuisi-Brown, chief executive officer of the firm, said Nigeria is facing an education emergency that requires urgent intervention beyond government efforts.

He noted that 10.2 million children of primary school age and 8.1 million of secondary school age are currently out of school. He said proceeds from the newly launched book would be channelled into initiatives aimed at strengthening the education system and reducing the number of out-of-school children.

The Brownton Care Foundation, he added, would prioritise support for marginalised groups, including rural children, girls from low-income households, and children with disabilities who form a significant share of the affected population.

Ndubuisi-Brown called for stronger government backing for private sector actors, stressing that entrepreneurs play a critical role in economic growth and long-term sustainability. He acknowledged existing efforts but urged the introduction of more enabling policies to support business participation in national development.

Beyond education, he raised concerns about Nigeria’s exposure to climate risks, estimating that the country requires about $200 billion in private capital to address climate challenges and support a transition to sustainability.

He said the company is working to mobilise investment into key sectors that will mitigate climate risks and drive sustainable development across Nigeria and Africa.

Marking the company’s decade milestone, Ndubuisi-Brown described the anniversary as both reflective and forward-looking, noting that the foundation signals a renewed commitment to social impact.

Esther Nwokafor, lead programme officer of the organisation said the Brownton Care Foundation is structured as a purpose-driven platform to empower communities and individuals.

She identified healthcare, education, empowerment and ESG advocacy as its core focus areas, with education taking priority.

Nwokafor said the foundation is committed to returning out-of-school children to classrooms and ensuring retention, describing education as a critical tool for long-term transformation.

She added that programmes under the foundation would commence immediately, calling on individuals, organisations and volunteers to support the initiative through partnerships, sponsorships and active engagement.