By Aisha Mohammed
Behavioural change and system strengthening have been identified as strategic initiatives for improving learning and reducing the increasing number of out-of-school children caused by prolonged conflicts, climate crisis, poverty, and inequality in the northern part of Nigeria.
The initiative, as part of the United Nations Children’s Fund ,UNICEF and Education Cannot Wait-supported program in partnership with the Adamawa State Government, aims to reach thousands of vulnerable children affected by conflict, displacement, and poverty in Adamawa State.
UNICEF Chief, Bauchi Field Office, Nuzhat Rafique, said the intervention focuses on increasing school enrolment, improving retention, and ensuring better learning outcomes, while emphasizing the fundamental rights of children to education, as well as access to essential services such as birth registration, vaccination, and proper nutrition.
She expressed dismay over the high number of out-of-school children engaged in street begging and hawking, especially the girl child, stressing the urgent need to bring them into formal education and ensure their retention until they reach their full potential.
Rafique noted that the program, which commenced in Ganye Local Government Area of Adamawa State on December 10, 2024, will run through December 2027, targeting children in underserved and hard-to-reach communities.
Explaining the scope and geographical coverage of the initiative, UNICEF Education Specialist, Abdulrahman Ado, said the BAY states Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe have been selected for the intervention due to the impact of insurgency on education in the region.
Adamawa State Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Garba Pella, represented by the Chairman of the Adamawa State Universal Basic Education Board, Murtala Babayi, said the initiative aligns with the state government’s education priorities and expressed optimism that, despite existing challenges, stakeholders’ efforts will yield positive results.
The partnership between Adamawa State Government, UNICEF, and Education Cannot Wait is expected to significantly reduce the number of out-of-school children while ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has access to quality and inclusive education.
Leave a Reply