The recent revelation by Vice President Kashim Shettima that the North-west and North-east zones harbour the highest number of out-of-school children serves as both a sobering commentary on the state of education in Northern Nigeria and a stark warning about the uncertain future these children face —with grave implications for both the region and the nation at large.
Speaking through his Chief of Staff, Hassan Hadejia, at the Nigerian Governors’ Forum International Conference on Girl-Child Education, the vice president emphasised that the latest statistics demand a “concerted, multi-sectoral approach” from all stakeholders, including civil society, local and state governments, federal authorities, and partners, to ensure that “every Nigerian child, regardless of gender or geography, receives quality education.”
The gravity of the situation is underscored by UNICEF’s August report, which revealed that 1.6 million children are out-of-school in the North-east, specifically in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states. More alarming still is UNICEF Chief of Field Office Phuong Nguyen’s observation that among those who do attend school, 72 per cent cannot read a simple text after completing grade 6. This fundamental lack of basic skills severely compromises these children’s ability to thrive both in education and in life.
The latest cluster survey presents even more disturbing figures: 25.6 per cent of primary school-age children and 29.6 per cent of secondary school-age children are currently out-of-school. The situation is particularly dire in states like Kebbi, where 64.8 per cent of primary school-age children are not in school, followed by Bauchi at 66.75 per cent and Jigawa at 62.6 per cent. With UNICEF’s 2022 statistics showing 10.5 million out-of-school children nationwide, this truly represents a ticking time bomb that demands immediate attention.
The roots of this crisis are complex and multifaceted. Historical factors, social and cultural norms, economic challenges, and, more recently, the Boko Haram insurgency and widespread banditry have all contributed to this educational deficit. Widespread poverty forces families to prioritise basic needs over education, while cultural practices such as early marriage often curtail educational opportunities, particularly for girls. The security situation has exacerbated the problem, with destroyed schools, displaced communities, and the constant threat of kidnapping keeping children away from classrooms.
The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration has set ambitious goals to address these challenges, targeting a 0.6 score on the World Bank Human Capital Index. By 2024, a combined investment of N4.6 trillion in education is planned, with states committing N2.4 trillion and the federal government providing N2.2 trillion. The administration has also pledged to allocate 15 to 20 per cent of state budgets to education.
Vice President Shettima particularly emphasised the importance of girls’ education, noting that it serves as more than a moral obligation; it is a stabilising force for economic and social order. Each additional year a girl remains in school increases her future earning potential, reduces infant mortality rates, and helps alleviate community poverty levels.
To effectively address this crisis, a comprehensive approach involving multiple stakeholders is essential. This includes strengthening existing programmes like the Universal Basic Education Act, partnering with international organisations such as UNICEF, USAID, and the World Bank, and supporting local initiatives through NGOs and community-based organisations.
Success will require increased funding, improved infrastructure, enhanced teacher training, targeted programmes to promote girls’ education, and stronger security measures. Most importantly, it demands sustained commitment from government to reduce the number of out-of-school children before this crisis further compromises national security and personal safety.
The path forward requires not just policies and funding, but also a fundamental shift in how communities view and value education. As Vice President Shettima noted, “Whatever reforms we adopt to build a safe space for educating the girl-child must be championed from within our communities.” The future of Northern Nigeria and, indeed, the entire nation, depends on our ability to turn this educational crisis around.
The North is already grappling with the devastating consequences of insecurity, fueled by ignorance, misguided indoctrination, and a lack of formal education. The alarming number of out-of-school children threatens to perpetuate this cycle of violence and misery. It will also reenforce the vicious cycle of poverty, inequality, and social unrest. It is imperative that we prioritise education, awareness, and community engagement to empower individuals with the knowledge and critical thinking skills necessary to break free from this cycle.