Katsina Has Over 536,000 Out-of-School Children – UNICEF

Over 536,000 children in Katsina State are currently out of school, according to a report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), highlighting a growing education crisis in the region.

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

He 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.

This staggering statistic 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.

Farah also noted that even for children attending school, learning outcomes were dismal. 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 pose long-term risks for human capital development in the state.

To remedy the situation, UNICEF has implemented various programmes aimed at addressing the challenges including engaging traditional and community leaders to promote school attendance, supporting vulnerable families, improving infrastructure, training teachers, rehabilitating schools and constructing climate-resilient facilities. Efforts were also being made to empower 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 the timely release of budgeted funds. It also urged the government to expand school infrastructure and address the shortage of qualified teachers.

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.