536,000 Children Out Of School In Katsina — UNICEF

No fewer than 536,000 children are currently out of school in Katsina State, a report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has disclosed, highlighting a growing education crisis in the region.

Chief of UNICEF Kano Field Office, Mr. Rahama Mohammed Farah revealed this figure while briefing journalists on the occasion of the International Day of Education (IDE) 2025.

Farah stated that 536,112 children are out of school in Katsina State, reflecting a broader crisis in Northwest Nigeria, where access to, and the quality of education remain critical concerns.

He noted that this staggering figure underscores systemic challenges, including limited access, insufficient funding, and poor educational quality.

According to the 2021 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), Katsina accounts for a significant portion of Nigeria’s 10.2 million out-of-school children.

Factors contributing to this menace include poverty, cultural barriers, and inadequate school infrastructure.

Farah also noted that even for children attending school, learning outcomes are dismal.

He added that foundational skills in literacy and numeracy remain far below national averages, with less than 26 per cent of children achieving reading proficiency and only 25 per cent demonstrating basic numeracy skills. These challenges, he noted, pose long-term risks for human capital development in the state.

In response, UNICEF said it has implemented various programmes aimed at addressing these challenges.

These include engaging traditional and community leaders to promote school attendance, supporting vulnerable families, improving infrastructure, training teachers, rehabilitating schools, and constructing climate-resilient facilities.

Efforts also focus on empowering girls with life skills to ensure inclusive education.

On this International Day of Education, UNICEF called on the Katsina State government to increase funding for education and ensure timely release of budgeted funds.

It also urged the government to expand school infrastructure and address the shortage of qualified teachers.

“Education is a fundamental right and a pathway to sustainable development. With over half a million children out of school in Katsina, urgent and collaborative action is needed to secure the future of the state’s youth,” Farah emphasised.

UNICEF reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Katsina State government and other stakeholders to transform education and ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn and thrive.