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Tag: UNICEF

  • UNICEF urges Bauchi govt to invest in digital learning

    UNICEF urges Bauchi govt to invest in digital learning

    The United Nation Children Funds, UNICEF has called on the Bauchi State government to invest heavily in digital learning.

    This is as the U.N Agency called on the government to leverage on the availability of Digital Learning programmes under the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP) initiative to improve learning outcomes in the state.

    Speaking during a one-day media dialogue in Toro Local Government Area  to mark the 2024 International Day of Education, UNICEF Education Specialist at the Bauchi Field Office, Abdulrahman Ado, emphasised the need for increased investment in digital learning tools and proper monitoring of their usage in schools.

    The Nation reports that the NLP launched in Bauchi in 2022 was designed to harness digital technology to improve learning access and quality.

    “Sometimes the teachers think the Nigerian Learning Passport belongs to UNICEF, but no, it belongs to the Bauchi State government and it is the responsibility of the state government to provide Education for all Learners”, Ado pointed out.

    The UNICEF Education Specialist who also stressed the need for developing local content to complement the existing one, urged the state government to take full ownership of the programme.

    He stressed that the provided tablets, projectors, and other gadgets belong to the state and should be effectively managed for the benefit of students.

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    Ado, who observed that the number of tablets, projectors provided are not enough, considering the number of schools and learners in Bauchi, appealed to the state government to procure more tablets and other gadgets to reach more learners.

    While commending the recent move by the government to recruit additional teachers, Ado urged the government to use the Teacher Management Information System (TMIS) in the recruitment process.

    According to him, going by the importance of digitalisation of the Education Management Information System (EMIS), there is a need to identify the people that will supply the platform with data among the teachers.

    He also called for strengthening of infrastructure in schools, including the provision of security and electricity to ensure the safety of the gadgets and effective utilisation.

    On her part, the Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics at the Bauchi State Ministry of Education, Ai’shatu Aminu, revealed that nearly all schools across the state’s 20 local government areas have been enrolled in the NLP, with 1,110 tablets distributed across 55 primary and junior secondary schools.

  • Why Bauchi government should invest more in education – UNICEF

    Why Bauchi government should invest more in education – UNICEF

    The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has urged the Bauchi state government to invest more in primary education to reduce the number of out-of-school children.

    The Country Representative of the U.N Agency in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, made the statement on Monday during her visit to Gyamzo Central Primary School in Toro Local Government Area of the State.

    She reiterated the need for the government  to increase its funding in the education sector to ensure more children have access to quality learning.

    Our correspondent reports that the Country Representative was in the state to  assess UNICEF’s intervention programs. 

    Expressing concern over the state of the schools, Munduate highlighted the challenges facing the education sector in Toro LGA, which has over 138,000 primary school-aged children and only about 380 schools. 

    Read Also: Bayelsa partners UNICEF, WHO, others, launches maternal newborn child health week

    Munduate pointed out the gap in planning, asking critical questions about how many of these children are actually able to attend school.

    She noted that while some children are enrolled, many classrooms remain empty due to a lack of teachers, inadequate facilities, and, in some cases, security issues.

     “We are making an urgent and serious call to the state authorities to visit schools across the LGAs and see the conditions firsthand. 

    “They need to understand the situation and why so many children are unable to get the education they deserve,” Munduate said.

    She further explained that UNICEF’s role is not to take over government responsibilities but to complement and support existing efforts. 

    The Country Representative emphasised the importance of public awareness urging citizens to advocate for increased government investment in education. 

    “People need to understand the importance of allocating more resources to educate their children,” she added.

    During the visit, she also distributed 21 tablets loaded with educational materials and linked them to the Nigeria Learning Passport platform.

  • Bayelsa partners UNICEF, WHO, others, launches maternal newborn child health week

    Bayelsa partners UNICEF, WHO, others, launches maternal newborn child health week

    The Bayelsa State Ministry of Health, in partnership with UNICEF, the World Health Organisation (WHO), and other key stakeholders, has launched the second phase of the Maternal Newborn Child Health Week across the state.

    The event, held at the Agudama-Epie Primary Health Centre in Yenagoa, the state capital, marks the start of a week-long initiative aimed at improving healthcare for mothers and children.

    Speaking at the flag-off, Commissioner for Health, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, emphasized the programme’s importance, particularly in enhancing postnatal care for mothers and their newborns.

    He stated: “When our mothers and children are healthy, then we are all happy,” emphasizing the initiative’s aim to improve safety at primary healthcare centres throughout the state.

    Prof. Brisibe noted that a three-day immunisation exercise had recently been conducted for children aged 5 to 11 years, further reinforcing the state’s commitment to child health.

    The Commissioner urged paramount rulers, opinion leaders, and chiefs to advocate for the programme within their communities to ensure its success and optimize healthcare delivery services.

    Also speaking, Dr. Williams Appah, the Executive Secretary of the Bayelsa State Primary Health Care Board, echoed the importance of the day, stating it represented a significant advancement in maternal and child healthcare in the state. 

    He reiterated the campaign’s objective that every childbirth should be safe and appealed to the public to embrace preventive health messages from the state government.

    Dr. Appah lamented the alarming statistic of over 200 maternal deaths during childbirth each year in the state, calling for collective efforts to reduce this figure. 

    He emphasized that such losses were unacceptable and encouraged all stakeholders to take active roles in improving maternal and child health outcomes.

    Read Also: UNICEF, GAVI lift Bayelsa health centers with modern medical equipment

    He urged every parent to prepare their children to participate in the impactful interventions provided through this initiative, stressing the vital need for community involvement for the programme’s success.

    He said the initiative reflects the commitment of the Bayelsa State government and its partners to improve maternal and child health, promote safe childbirth, and foster healthier communities.

    Giving the health benefits of the MNCHW, State Nutrition Officer and Director of Nutrition, Ministry of Health, Mr. Idisi Yibatama, noted that the exercise was to deliver a high medical intervention within the one week period to the mother and child.

    He encouraged mothers to engage in exclusive breast feeding of their babies, adding that it makes the child to grow healthy.

    He also gave health education for some household practices to be observed.

    Other benefits of the exercise, he also noted, were malaria prevention and testing, birth registration, normal routine immunization as well as to introduce multi-nutritional supplements.

    In their goodwill messages, representatives of UNICEF, WHO, Corona Management and Zipline, thanked all and expressed hope that the campaign’s target of the mother and child would be achieved.

    They expressed happiness for supporting the exercise, highlighting that every mother and child should have access to the health commodities.

    They urged everyone to be an ambassador of MNCHW.

  • NOA, NPC, UNICEF begin e-birth registration for children

    NOA, NPC, UNICEF begin e-birth registration for children

    The National Orientation Agency (NOA), in collaboration with the National Population Commission (NPC) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has launched a digital registration initiative to register birth of children aged zero to five years.

    The announcement was made at a press briefing on Electronic Civic Registration and Vital Statistics, held at the Lagos NOA Directorate office and attended by key stakeholders, including Oba of Shasha Kingdom, Alimosho, HRM Babatunde Akinlowo, and representatives from various community groups.

    Highlighting the significance of birth registration, the NOA Director-General, Lanre Issa-Onilu, represented by Director of Special Duties and State Operations, David Akoji, said birth registration is the first legal acknowledgment of a child’s existence, essential for safeguarding their rights and privileges.

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    Issa-Onilu explained that the collaboration with the NPC and UNICEF aims to ensure every child’s access to education, healthcare, and essential services.

    He encouraged parents and guardians to visit the nearest NPC registration centers, where children will receive a National Identification Number (NIN) upon completion of the registration.

  • Why we advocate for girls’ rights – UNICEF

    Why we advocate for girls’ rights – UNICEF

    United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has justified its advocacy for the rights of girls.

    Chief of the UNICEF Field Office for Southwest Nigeria, Celine Lafoucriere in a message to commemorate the 2024 International Day of the Girl, usually celebrated on October 11, said being a girl should not determine what she can do, where she can go, or who she can become.

    She noted however that, these concerns are the reality for millions of girls across the world right now.

    The 2024 celebration is themed “Girls’ Vision for the Future”

    She said the day is not only for girls but also for everyone who cares about girls and takes action to advocate for the full spectrum of girls’ rights.

    According to Celine Lafoucriere, the theme for the celebration is apt as it reflects the findings from a UNICEF analysis, which shows that girls are not only courageous in the face of challenges but hopeful for the future.

    She added that the analysis saw girls taking action every day to realize the vision of a world where all girls are protected, respected, and empowered.

    She said: “As you well know, October 11 is a key global moment to celebrate girls and amplify their voices, actions, and leadership.

    “The day also belongs to everyone who cares about girls and taking action to advocate for the full spectrum of girls’ rights.

    “This year’s theme ‘Girls’ Vision for the Future” is apt. It reflects the findings from a UNICEF analysis, which shows that girls are not only courageous in the face of challenges but hopeful for the future.

    “We see girls taking action every day to realize the vision of a world where all girls are protected, respected, and empowered.”

    She said: “Why girls’ rights – you may ask? My response is that being a girl shouldn’t determine what you can do, where you can go, or who you can become.

    “But right now, that is the reality for millions of girls across the world. Too many are being left behind, confronted by extreme challenges that deny them their rights, restrict their choices, and limit their futures.    

    “Today, one in five young women aged between 20 and 24 years were married as children. Nearly one in four partnered/married adolescent girls have experienced sexual or physical abuse.

    “Globally, 75 percent of new HIV infections among adolescents occur in girls. One in three adolescent girls suffers from anaemia, which is a form of malnutrition.

    “Almost double the number of adolescent girls (one in four) compared to boys are not in any form of education, employment, or training.

    Read Also: NOA, UNICEF launches birth registration

    She noted however that, despite the challenges, change is possible as studies had shown that with the right allies who can listen to them and respond to their needs, a better future is secured.

    “The good news is that change is possible. However, girls alone cannot bring about the desired change. They need allies who listen to and respond to their needs – like you and me. Together, we can build a future in which every girl’s rights are protected.

    “Evidence shows that with the right support, resources, and opportunities, the potential of girls around the world is limitless. 

    “When girls achieve their goals, we all move closer to achieving our global goals”, she added.

  • NOA, UNICEF launches birth registration

    NOA, UNICEF launches birth registration

    National Orientation Agency (NOA) in partnership with the National Population Commission (NPC) and UNICEF has launched a nationwide birth registration social mobilisation drive.

    This entails that every child in Nigeria has access to essential services like education, healthcare and social protection while the programme is targeted at children aged 0-5 years, providing them with a National Identification Number (NIN) free of charge.

    Director General, National Orientation Agency, Mallam Lanre Isa, who was represented by the Director Child Special Duties and State operation, Mr. David Akuto, stated this in Makurdi at the launch of a one-day state advocacy and press conference campaign on the importance of birth registration organised by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) State Directorate partnership with UNICEF and urged the media and other stakeholders to sensitise parents on the need to present their children to the nearest offices for capturing.

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    Addressing the stakeholders, State Federal Commissioner of NPC, Mrs Patricia Kupchi said fifty two thousand children between the ages of zero and five in the State have been registered so far.

    Mrs. Kupchi, who said with the available data,  Benue was in the lead of the ongoing registration exercise, however, expressed worry that over two hundred thousand children were yet to be captured, pointing out that the essence of the exercise was to give the children identity and help the government to plan better for their welfare.

    In a remark, State Director, NOA, Idoko called on relevant stakeholders to intensify advocacy to the nooks and crannies of the state and commended UNICEF for its partnership while suing for sustenance.

    Ter Makurdi, Chief Vincent Aule represented by Chief Simon Ugondo-Tov and a humanitarian activist, Mr Ukan Kurugh, promised to take the message to the grassroots for coverage of the ongoing exercise through their media platforms.

  • Nigeria to collaborate with UNICEF, USAID to combat lead poisoning

    Nigeria to collaborate with UNICEF, USAID to combat lead poisoning

    The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the global fight against lead poisoning, emphasizing the need to protect vulnerable citizens.

    Reviewing the exhibition on the lead campaign at the Lead-Free Future event organised by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly, Dr Alake announced plans to procure additional equipment for the detection of lead in communities plagued by lead poisoning.

    In a statement issued on Friday, September 27, by Segun Tomori, his Special Assistant on Media, Alake advocated for more enlightenment on the threat posed to persons in the mining of gold and other minerals, emphasising that cleaning up lead from communities will restore child and maternal health.

    Read Also: UNICEF seeks improved funding for immunization

    He emphasised the need to factor lead reduction in the process of local value addition being championed by the Ministry.

    Welcoming the Minister to the exhibition, the USAID representative, Dr. Casey Bartrem appreciated the commitment of the minister, showing rock samples retrieved from Zamfara State in Nigeria during the clean-up that followed a lead poisoning incident.

    She said the USAID hoped to collaborate with the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development (MSMD) in reducing lead in mineral extraction and processing.

  • 18 million out of school children, child labour, threat to Nigeria peace, says child advocate

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

    The depressing high number of out-of-school children in Nigeria has been described as a threat to the nation’s peace.

    The number of out-of-school children in the country is currently 18.3 million making it one of the highest contributors to the global

    According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), one in three Nigerian children is out of school, with about 10.2 million children at the primary level and about 8.1 million at the junior secondary school level.

    Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, Chikezie Ogaziechi, the Convener of Child Plus Africa, highlighted the alarming issue of child labour arising from the out-of-school syndrome as a significant setback for the country, attributing it to the pervasive inequity in Nigerian society.

    He characterized the staggering figure of 24,673,485 children engaged in child labour as utterly unacceptable.

    During his investiture as the Ambassador for the United Nations Youth Association – Nigeria (UNYA-NG), Ogaziechi condemned the high number of disadvantaged children, noting that their plight poses a substantial barrier to peace in the nation, saying, “These children will be the reason we won’t have peace as they embrace criminality on the streets.”

    Read Also: UNICEF seeks improved funding for immunization

    Describing ‘Cultivating a Culture of Peace’, the theme of the recently concluded UNYA-NG summit to commemorate the United Nations’ International Day of Peace 2024, as highly relevant, Chikezie Ogaziechi emphasised the need for concerted efforts by all key stakeholders, including the private sector, to address the issue holistically for the sake of sustainable peace in the country.

    He said it is worthy of emulation the strides made by Child Plus Africa in bridging the inequality gap, noting that the organization has successfully taken hundreds of children off the streets and returned them to the classroom.

    He highlighted the strides made by Child Plus Africa in bridging the inequality gap, describing the organization’s efforts as worthy of emulation for successfully taking hundreds of children off the streets and returning them to the classroom.

    “Taking the children out of the streets and returning them to the classrooms is a job everyone must be a part of,” he said.

    In his remarks, the President of UNYA-NG, Ambassador Eze Ihechukwumere Ezekiel, also reiterated the need for the restoration of world peace, saying, “As we commemorate the UN Day of Peace, we implore all humanity in Nigeria and across the globe to commit to Peace above all differences and to contribute to building a Culture of Peace.

    The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by the United Nations and in 2001, the General Assembly unanimously voted to designate the Day as a period of non-violence and cease-fire.

  • UNICEF seeks improved funding for immunization

    UNICEF seeks improved funding for immunization

    United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called on the government at all levels to improve its funding for the health sector to address the financial gap in immunisation and reduce zero-dose children.

    The UNICEF Social Behaviour Change Communication Specialist, Aderonke Akinola-Akinwole, gave the charge on Wednesday, September 25, in Lagos during a 2-day media dialogue on routine immunization organised by the agency in collaboration with the Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board.

    Akinola-Akinwole who emphasised the importance of immunisation in saving millions of lives, stressed the need for the governments to intensify their efforts toward achieving universal immunization coverage.

    She lamented that 2.3 million children had yet to receive vaccines in Nigeria, noting that low uptake of immunization was fueling the child mortality rate in the country.

    Akinola-Akinwole disclosed that the spread of rumours about routine immunization, limited access to healthcare facilities, inadequate funding, and cultural barriers were the challenges hampering universal immunization in the country.

    Read Also: Child Rights, others: UNICEF seeks Olubadan support

    The Chief UNICEF Field Office for the Southwest, Celine Lafoucriere, said the agency was committed to supporting Nigeria’s healthcare system in reducing zero-dose children as well as improving immunization coverage.

    Lafoucriere who lamented that 2.3million Nigerian children predominantly in the marginalized areas were unvaccinated, said that there was a need for concerted efforts among stakeholders to enhance routine immunization and reduce zero-dose children.

    She added that UNICEF in partnership with the government had prioritised 100 local governments across 18 states with the highest concentration of zero-dose children in increasing the immunization uptake.

    Lafoucriere solicited the support of media organizations to raise awareness about the importance of vaccines, address the misconception as well as encourage vaccines through their reportage.

    She said: “Your own influence is very important. You can catalyse actions, and help dispel rumors and misinformation about vaccines.

    “By working collectively, we can build a resilient health system that is capable of reaching each and every child leaving no one behind. No matter where they live, we must ensure that no child in Nigeria suffers from preventable diseases”, she added.

    The Assistant Immunisation Programme Officer, Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, Adeniji Abebayo emphasised on the urgent need for every child to be fully immunised.

    He expressed the readiness of the Lagos State to vaccinate a total of 21 million residents representing 85% of the state population from nine to 44 years against Yellow fever.

    Adebayo noted that the exercise would be conducted between October 17 and November 2, 2024, adding that the state government would deploy 14,000 health workers to ensure hitch-free vaccination.

    He charged parents to avail themselves of the opportunity provided by the state government to get their children vaccinated against preventable illness.

  • On Yobe/UNICEF partnership in teachers training

    Sir: I commend the Yobe State Universal Basic Education Board (YSUBEB), led by acting chairman Mallam Isa Shettima, for organizing a comprehensive training program for public school teachers across the state. This commendable initiative, in collaboration with UNICEF, has equipped educators with essential skills to teach at the appropriate levels, thereby enhancing the quality of education in Yobe State.

    The training program covers all geo-political zones of the state, including Damaturu, Potiskum, and Nguru, showcasing YSUBEB’s commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind. By investing in teacher development, the board is addressing important aspect of education, acknowledging that educators play a vital role in shaping young minds.

    UNICEF’s contributions to Yobe State’s educational system, especially during the Boko Haram insurgency, have been invaluable. The organization’s dedication to promoting access to quality education, even in challenging circumstances, is truly commendable.

    The partnership between YSUBEB and UNICEF serves as a model for effective collaboration, demonstrating the potential for meaningful change when stakeholders unite toward a common goal. By pooling resources and expertise, they have created a comprehensive training program tailored to the specific needs of Yobe State’s educators.

    A significant benefit of this training program is its focus on teaching at the right level. By imparting knowledge at an appropriate pace, educators enable students to grasp complex concepts, build solid foundations, and cultivate a lifelong love of learning.

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    Moreover, the program’s emphasis on engaging young pupils reflects YSUBEB and UNICEF’s recognition of the importance of early childhood education. Research consistently shows that investments in early learning yield substantial returns, shaping future academic success and overall life outcomes.

    As trained teachers return to their classrooms, it is crucial for them to implement their newfound knowledge. I encourage educators to seize this opportunity and integrate innovative teaching methods and strategies into their practice.

    YSUBEB and UNICEF’s commitment to education extends beyond the training program; they work tirelessly to tackle systemic challenges, improve infrastructure, and foster inclusive learning environments.

    The success of this initiative relies on sustained support and collaboration. I urge stakeholders—including policymakers, community leaders, and civil society organizations—to rally behind YSUBEB and UNICEF.

    The YSUBEB-UNICEF teacher training program is a ground breaking initiative poised to create a lasting impact on Yobe State’s education landscape.

    •Kasim Isa Muhammad,Damaturu, Yobe State.