The Nation Newspaper

Tag: out of school children

  • Out of school children: Unicef, Ghiv Africa begin enrollment in BAY states

    Out of school children: Unicef, Ghiv Africa begin enrollment in BAY states

    After protracted armed violence in  North-East Nigeria resulting in over two million children dropping out of school, Unicef in partnership with Global Village Health Initiative for Africa(Ghiv Africa) with funding from Education Cannot Wait(ECW), a global fund for education in emergencies have lunched a Back-to-School Campaign in the region.

    The campaign, which is targeting over 12, 000 out-of-school children in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states is a multi-three year programme.

    While the campaign has kicked off in Mobbar, in Nganzai Local Government Area of Borno State, similar activities are simultaneously going on in Mubi North & Shelleng and Jukusko local government areas of Adamawa and Yobe respectively.

    Read Also: DSS files terrorism charges against Ansaru leaders linked to Kuje prison break

    According to a Unicef report, an estimated over 18 million children are out of school in Nigeria. Out of the figure, over 2million children are reported to come from the Northeast Nigeria (specifically Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states) due to factors including the ongoing insurgency, displacement, destruction of infrastructure, and other socio-economic challenges.

    The Nation checks revealed that Boko Haram conflict has particularly targeted schools and displaced families, creating an education emergency in the region.

    This crisis has impacted both boys and girls, but with a higher proportion of out-of-school girls, undermining regional stability and thus requiring concerted efforts from governments and partners to provide access to quality education.

    The Executive Director, Global Village Healthcare Initiative (Ghiv. Africa), Mrs Mulikat Bamidele, while appreciating the donors, reiterated the commitment of her organisation in the Back-to-School Campaign.

    “At GHIV Africa, we believe that location should never be a barrier to a child’s education. Children are the future leaders of every nation, and when they are left without access to learning, a country’s growth and progress are held back.

    “That is why we are present in villages and local communities, reminding the world that education cannot wait. Whether in times of crisis or in places with scarce resources, every child deserves the chance to learn, dream, and thrive.

    “Today, our dedicated staff are on the ground in Jakusko, Yobe State, and Mobar, Borno State, implementing the ECW Back-to-School Campaign. Through their tireless efforts, children who were once left behind are now stepping back into classrooms with renewed hope.

    “Together, with your support, the donors, Unicef, ECW, we  ensure that no child is denied the gift of education, because when we invest in children today, we build the leaders of tomorrow,” Mrs Bamidele said.

  • Jigawa gov’s wife moves to address out of school children, poverty among mothers

    Jigawa gov’s wife moves to address out of school children, poverty among mothers

    The wife of Jigawa State Governor, Hajiya Amina Umar Namadi, has vowed to collaborate with stakeholders to address the challenge of out-of-school children by boosting women’s income through expanded trade and entrepreneurship opportunities.

    Speaking at the opening ceremony of the first Women’s Trade Fair organized by the Jigawa Women Entrepreneurs Network (JIWEN) at Aminu Kano Triangle in Dutse, Mrs. Namadi highlighted the link between poverty, illiteracy among mothers, and the growing number of out-of-school children.

    She emphasised that tackling issues such as illiteracy, poverty, and low income among women—especially mothers—would help curb the prevalence of out-of-school children and other social vices, including juvenile delinquency.

    Commending JIWEN for its foresight in organizing the trade fair, Mrs. Namadi pledged the government’s continued support for women entrepreneurs to foster economic growth and independence. 

    She noted that these efforts align with Governor Malam Umar Namadi’s 12-point agenda, which prioritizes small-scale business support, job creation, and empowering women and youth for self-reliance.

    Mrs. Namadi underscored the importance of supporting women’s businesses, stating that even small-scale assistance could empower women to care for their families and reduce the number of out-of-school children. 

    She assured her readiness to collaborate with any women-led initiatives working toward this goal in Jigawa State.

    Read Also: 18 million out of school children, child labour, threat to Nigeria peace, says child advocate

    Speaking earlier, Jigawa Women Entrepreneurs Network (JIWEN), coordinator, Nuriya Haruna Bako said the first women trade fair was organised as part of the activities to celebrate Global Entrepreneurs week.

    According to her, JIWEN in partnership with Jigawa Invest and in collaboration with Nigerian Women Chamber of Commerce, Jigawa State Chapter, Nigerian Women in Agricultural Business Cooperative Society Ltd. (NiWAB), Dutse Women Prenuers Wings (DWPW), Jigawa Entrepreneurs Initiative and Food Expo Dutse organised the event.

    The coordinator who said, over seventy register women business group participated in the trade fair adding that the is to promote women entrepreneurs in Jigawa state.

    “Jigawa women entrepreneurs Network (JIWEN) as part of its activities to mark the global entrepreneurs week organized the Trade Fair With the aim to see that Jigawa women entrepreneurs prevailed in their journey of becoming great business women at state, National and Global level at the same time build a women friendly entrepreneur ecosystem in the state”, Nuriya said.

    She then appreciated Jigawa Invest, Nigeria Associations of Small Scale Industrialist (NASSI), Dutse Local Government Chairman and Her Excellency for the support to make the Trade fair a successful one.