536,000 Children Out of School in Katsina — UNICEF
A disturbing report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reveals that approximately 536,000 children are currently out of school in Katsina State, highlighting a growing education crisis in the region.
Mr. Rahama Mohammed Farah, the Chief of UNICEF Kano Field Office, disclosed the figure while addressing journalists on the occasion of the International Day of Education (IDE) 2025.
The report shows that 536,112 children in Katsina State are not enrolled in school, a situation that mirrors broader educational challenges in Northwest Nigeria, where access to quality education remains a significant concern.
This alarming figure contributes to Nigeria’s overall out-of-school population, which the 2021 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) estimated at 10.2 million. Farah pointed out that a combination of factors, including poverty, cultural barriers, and inadequate infrastructure, contribute to the issue.
Furthermore, even for children attending school, the quality of education is concerning. Farah highlighted that learning outcomes are alarmingly low, with less than 26% of children achieving basic reading proficiency and only 25% demonstrating basic numeracy skills. This situation poses a significant threat to human capital development in the state, with long-term implications for the region’s future growth and stability.
UNICEF, in response to this education crisis, has implemented a range of programmes aimed at improving the situation. These include engaging traditional and community leaders to advocate for school attendance, supporting vulnerable families, and improving school infrastructure. UNICEF has also focused on training teachers, rehabilitating schools, and constructing climate-resilient facilities to make education more accessible and sustainable.
The agency also emphasized the importance of empowering girls through education, ensuring that they are not left behind in the pursuit of quality learning.
On this International Day of Education, UNICEF urged the Katsina State government to prioritize education by increasing funding and ensuring that budgeted funds are released on time. The organization also called for the expansion of school infrastructure and an increase in the number of qualified teachers to meet the growing demands of the educational sector.
“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 stated.
UNICEF reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Katsina State government and other stakeholders to transform the education system and ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn and thrive.
