In a media briefing commemorating the International Day of Education (IDE) 2025, Mr. Rahama Rihood Mohammed Farah, Chief of UNICEF Field Office in Kano, called for urgent action to address the alarming state of education in Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina states.
Speaking on the theme “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation,” Farah highlighted that while technology is reshaping global education, Northwest Nigeria faces severe challenges, including high out-of-school rates, poor learning outcomes, and the disruptive impact of climate change on learning environments.
With over 10.2 million primary-level children out of school across Nigeria, Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina account for 16% of this crisis, according to MICS 2021. Farah revealed, “Nearly 1 million children in Kano, 337,861 in Jigawa, and 536,112 in Katsina are out of school. These figures are alarming and demand immediate action.”
Farah also raised concerns about education quality, noting that foundational learning rates in these states are far below national averages. In Jigawa, for instance, only 2% of primary school learners have foundational reading skills.
The impact of climate change is compounding the crisis, with floods in Jigawa destroying 115 school buildings last year, displacing over 92,500 children. UNICEF has responded by building climate-resilient WASH facilities, planting trees, and engaging youths in climate action.
UNICEF’s interventions include cash transfers, enrollment drives, teacher training, and digital learning platforms like the Nigeria Learning Passport, which has benefited over 182,000 children, teachers, and parents. Farah praised partnerships with local leaders and governments, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and safe learning environments.
In a strong call to action, Farah urged the governments of Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina to increase education funding, rehabilitate infrastructure, recruit qualified teachers, and address climate-induced disruptions to learning.
“Education is the backbone of development,” he concluded. “UNICEF remains committed to partnering with stakeholders to ensure every child has access to quality education.”
The briefing ended with appreciation for partners like the European Union and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office for their contributions to education projects in the region.
About The Author
