UNICEF: Jigawa, Kano, Katsina Lead in Out-of-School Children

According to UNICEF, Jigawa, Kano, and Katsina states have been identified as having the highest number of out-of-school children in Nigeria, contributing nearly 30% to the national total of 18.3 million, which is the highest globally. Aisha Abdullahi, from UNICEF's Kano field office, disclosed this information during a dialogue with journalists in these states.

The alarming figures are driven by poverty, insecurity, and cultural barriers that hinder school readiness. Abdullahi stressed the importance of early childhood care and development education as a long-term strategy to prevent children from falling out of the educational system.

She noted that nearly 90% of brain development occurs by age five, making early learning critical. Despite policies for pre-primary education, access remains limited, especially in rural areas.

Abdullahi highlighted that increasing male involvement in early learning could significantly reduce dropout rates, recommending community advocacy to engage fathers in educational programs.