UNICEF: Northwest Nigeria Faces Alarming Education Crisis with 16% of Out-of-School Children

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Northwest Nigeria is grappling with an alarming education crisis, as UNICEF reports that Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina states account for 16% of the nation’s 10.2 million out-of-school children at the primary level.

This troubling statistic was revealed by Mr. Rahama Rihood Mohammed Farah, UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office in Kano, during a media briefing to mark the 2025 International Day of Education.

Farah cited data from the 2021 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), revealing that close to one million children in Kano State alone are not attending school, with 32% of primary school-aged children in the state falling into this category.

He described the situation in the region as “alarming,” compounded by poor learning outcomes for children who are fortunate enough to be enrolled.

In response, UNICEF has implemented a series of interventions to expand access to education for vulnerable families.

These include cash transfer programs to support education, enrollment drives in underserved communities, and the integration of Qur’anic schools into formal education systems.

Additionally, infrastructure improvements, such as climate-resilient water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities in 25 schools in Kano, and the provision of 630,249 teaching and learning materials, have been pivotal in addressing the crisis.

UNICEF also trained 1,109 teachers in professional development programs to enhance teaching methodologies, reaffirming its commitment to working with the Kano State government to improve basic education outcomes.

The issue of out-of-school children in Nigeria has long been a significant challenge, particularly in the northern regions. With over 10.2 million children at the primary school level not receiving an education, Nigeria accounts for one of the highest rates of out-of-school children globally.

Factors such as poverty, cultural norms, inadequate infrastructure, and insecurity have all contributed to the education crisis. This has left many children, especially in rural and underserved areas, without access to quality learning opportunities.

The northwest region, which includes states like Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina, is particularly affected, with millions of children missing out on education. In these areas, the interplay of socio-economic challenges, child labor, and early marriage further exacerbates the issue.

Girls, in particular, are disproportionately affected, as cultural practices and financial constraints often prioritize boys’ education over theirs. As a result, the region has one of the highest disparities in school attendance between boys and girls.

UNICEF, in collaboration with government agencies and community stakeholders, has been working tirelessly to tackle these challenges. The organization’s initiatives include improving infrastructure in schools, providing learning materials, and offering cash incentives to vulnerable families to encourage school enrollment.

By integrating Qur’anic education into formal schooling, UNICEF aims to address cultural resistance and make education more accessible in conservative communities. These targeted programs have already made an impact, but much work remains to be done to bridge the education gap in the region.

The lack of education not only deprives children of their right to learn but also hampers the socio-economic development of the affected regions. Children without basic education are more likely to face unemployment, poverty, and exploitation in adulthood, perpetuating cycles of inequality.

Addressing the crisis in northern Nigeria is therefore not just a moral imperative but a critical step toward national progress and stability. Collaborative efforts between government, NGOs, and international organizations are essential to ensure that every child has access to quality education and a brighter future.

The challenge of out-of-school children in Nigeria is deeply rooted in systemic issues that have persisted for decades. Poverty remains one of the primary drivers, as many families are unable to afford the indirect costs of education, such as uniforms, transportation, and learning materials.
In regions like Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina, where a significant proportion of the population lives below the poverty line, children are often forced into labor or street hawking to supplement family incomes, further reducing their chances of attending school.

Insecurity is another major factor contributing to the high number of out-of-school children in the northern regions. Frequent attacks by insurgent groups, bandits, and kidnappers have led to the closure of schools and displacement of families, leaving many children without access to education.

Parents, fearing for the safety of their children, are often reluctant to send them to school, especially in rural and conflict-prone areas. This has created a significant gap in school attendance and a growing population of uneducated youths.

Cultural and societal norms also play a role in the education crisis, particularly for girls. Early marriage, gender discrimination, and societal expectations often force girls out of school at an early age. In many communities, girls are seen primarily as future wives and mothers, with little emphasis placed on their education.

This has led to lower enrollment and retention rates for girls in schools, perpetuating cycles of inequality and limiting opportunities for women in the affected regions. Addressing these cultural barriers is essential for achieving inclusive education and breaking the cycle of poverty in northern Nigeria.

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