The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has said that despite years of progress, millions of children in Northern Nigeria are still being denied their right to education due to poverty, insecurity and deep-rooted social barriers.
The Chief of UNICEF Field Office Kano, Mr. Rahama Rihood Mohammed Farah, raised the concern on Tuesday while speaking at the 2026 International Day of Education (IDE) commemoration held in Dutse.
Mr. Farah said too many children remain out of school, with their talents wasted and their futures uncertain, while girls in particular continue to face cultural, economic and social obstacles that prevent them from completing their education.
“Too many children are still out of school, their minds untapped and their potential unseen. Too many girls face barriers that silence their voices and deny them a future,” he said.
He explained that education in Northern Nigeria is not just about literacy, but about breaking cycles of hardship, restoring dignity and building a society where every child can dream and contribute meaningfully.
Farah noted that young people are demanding a more relevant, inclusive and safe education system, one that equips learners with life skills, digital competence and critical thinking.
He identified poverty, insecurity, harmful social norms and limited resources as key factors undermining learning outcomes across the region, warning that failure to address them could have long-term consequences for peace and development.
He stressed that the situation can be reversed through strong political will, community ownership and sustained partnerships.
He reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting state governments and communities to strengthen education systems, improve learning environments and promote adolescent development across the Kano Field Office states.
“When you educate a child, you uplift a family. When you educate a girl, you strengthen a community. And when you invest in education, you secure peace and development for generations,” he said.
