A recent report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has revealed that over 536,000 children are currently out of school in Katsina State, highlighting a growing education crisis in the region.
Mr. Rahama Mohammed Farah, Chief of UNICEF’s Kano Field Office, shared this alarming figure during a briefing on the occasion of the International Day of Education (IDE) 2025. He noted that the 536,112 children out of school in Katsina are part of a larger educational crisis in Northwest Nigeria, where access to quality education remains a significant challenge.
The report points to systemic issues such as limited access to education, insufficient funding, and poor quality of schooling. According to the 2021 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), Katsina is responsible for a large portion of Nigeria’s 10.2 million out-of-school children.
Several factors contribute to this situation, including poverty, cultural barriers, and inadequate school infrastructure. Even among children who attend school, learning outcomes are concerning, with fewer than 26% achieving reading proficiency and only 25% demonstrating basic numeracy skills. These challenges could have long-term effects on human capital development in the state.
In response, UNICEF has launched several programs aimed at addressing these issues. These include engaging community and traditional leaders to promote school attendance, supporting vulnerable families, improving infrastructure, training teachers, and rehabilitating schools, including the construction of climate-resilient facilities. Efforts are also focused on empowering girls with life skills to ensure inclusive education.
On this International Day of Education, UNICEF urged the Katsina State government to increase funding for education, release budgeted funds on time, expand school infrastructure, and address the shortage of qualified teachers.
“Education is a fundamental right and a pathway to sustainable development. With over half a million children out of school in Katsina, urgent and collaborative action is needed to secure the future of the state’s youth,” Farah emphasized.
UNICEF reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Katsina State government and other stakeholders to transform education and ensure every child has the opportunity to learn and thrive.
