As kidnappings and insecurity persist in Northwest Nigeria, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has warned that the region faces a worsening out-of-school crisis, threatening the safety and future of thousands of children.
UNICEF Chief of Field Office in Sokoto, Michael Juma, highlighted the issue during this year’s World Children’s Day, condemning the recent abduction of 24 schoolgirls in Maga, Kebbi State. He joined state authorities and security agencies in calling for their immediate and unconditional release, emphasizing that every child has the right to be safe, free, and in school.
Juma acknowledged progress made in the region, noting that 915,000 learners have benefited from strengthened literacy programs, while 215,000 previously out-of-school children have returned to class.
Additionally, 212,000 learners are engaged through the Nigeria Learning Passport, over 18,000 families are accessing free healthcare, and 1.5 million children were vaccinated in October. A new Special Newborn Care Unit in Sokoto has also saved over 1,000 fragile babies.
He further highlighted that 3.1 million children received Vitamin A supplementation, achieving a 95 percent recovery rate for severe acute malnutrition.
Juma stressed the urgent need for additional resources to address remaining challenges, including thousands of zero-dose children and poor dietary diversity among mothers and children, calling for sustained commitment to ensure the safety, health, and education of all children in the region.
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