The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has revealed that more than one million children in Kano State are currently not attending school. This alarming statistic was shared by Mr. Rahama Rihood Farah, Chief of the UNICEF Field Office in Kano, during a press briefing held on January 24, 2025, in observance of the International Day of Education (IDE) 2025.
Farah described the education situation in Nigeria’s northwest region, particularly in Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina states, as critical. Together, these three states contribute significantly to Nigeria’s out-of-school population, which stands at 10.2 million children at the primary school level. Notably, 16 percent of these children come from the northwest region.
In Kano alone, the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2021 found that 989,234 children, or about 32% of the primary school-age population, are not in school. Farah expressed deep concern over this growing educational crisis.
The UNICEF official also highlighted the poor quality of education for children who do attend school in the region. He pointed out that despite enrollment, many children are not learning effectively. According to the MICS 2021 report, only one in four Nigerian children between the ages of 7 and 14 can read and understand a simple sentence or solve basic math problems.
Farah emphasized that education is a fundamental human right and crucial to the development of any society. He called on governments at all levels to take immediate action to overcome the barriers preventing children from accessing quality education.
In his statement, Farah urged the governments of Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina to prioritize education funding, improve school infrastructure, and recruit more qualified teachers to address gaps in the education system. He also expressed UNICEF’s continued support for local initiatives aimed at improving educational outcomes in these states.
As the world marks the International Day of Education, UNICEF remains committed to collaborating with state governments to ensure every child has the opportunity to receive quality education.
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