UBEC Reports 10 Million Nigerian Children Lack Early Education

The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) reported that about 10 million Nigerian children are currently not enrolled in early childhood care, development, and education (ECCDE). Dr. Aisha Garba, the Executive Secretary of UBEC, revealed this statistic during a three-day workshop in Abuja aimed at enhancing the capacity of state actors regarding ECCDE Minimum Standards and Implementation Guidelines.

She noted that only 35.6 percent of children aged 36 to 59 months are attending any form of early childhood education, which contributes to poor learning outcomes. The 2021 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey indicated that 46 percent of children aged 24 to 59 months are developmentally off track.

Garba highlighted that 70 percent of Nigerian 10-year-olds cannot read and understand a simple text. She urged states to incorporate ECCDE interventions into their State Matching Grant Action Plans, warning that those not included would not receive funding or monitoring.

The deadline for states to submit their ECCDE Action Plans has been extended to October 5, 2026.