Millions of children in northern Nigeria remain out of school, with girls disproportionately affected by cultural barriers, poverty and insecurity, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has said. Speaking at an International Day of Education event in Dutse, Jigawa State, UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office in Kano highlighted that entrenched socio‑economic challenges and limited educational resources continue to keep children especially girls out of classrooms across Kano, Katsina, Jigawa and other northern states. The agency stressed that education is a fundamental right and a cornerstone for breaking cycles of hardship and fostering sustainable national development.

UNICEF emphasised the urgent need to centre young people in shaping Nigeria’s education system as the world aims to achieve inclusive, quality education by 2030. Youth involvement, the agency argues, is crucial to crafting an education system that is relevant, empowering and responsive to the needs of children today and in the future. Without such inclusive planning and greater investment in learning environments, millions of children could be left further behind.

The situation in northern Nigeria is compounded by insecurity and displacement, which have disrupted schooling in many communities and contributed to high out‑of‑school rates. According to previous UNICEF estimates, millions of children in conflict‑affected areas like Borno, Adamawa and Yobe lack access to consistent education, with many schools closed or operating under poor conditions. 

These challenges underscore the need for coordinated efforts by government, communities and development partners to ensure safe, inclusive schooling for all children.