Chris Okpoko
At the 2025 Uwais-Maiwada Aid Foundation Impact Forum in Abuja recently, lawmakers, policymakers, and education advocates raised alarm over the growing number of out-of-school children in Nigeria, warning that the situation poses a major threat to national unity, security, and development. They called for urgent reforms to reposition education as a tool for empowerment, job creation, and national cohesion.
According to a media report, former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, in his address, said the number of children out of school across the country was escalating due to insecurity, deepening poverty, and ignorance. The problem of out-of-school children is not a northern or southern issue; it’s a Nigerian problem. We must all take collective responsibility in solving it,” he added.
In the same vein, Mark Useni, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education, underscored the dire state of Nigeria’s educational landscape. Useni said solving the problem of out-of-school required the commitment of every Nigerian. “I am privileged to be the chairman of the House of Reps Committee on Basic Education, and I can understand what we have out there as far as out-of-school children are concerned. “It requires that every concerned Nigerian come on board to take a step to ensure that the unfortunate trend is reversed. “For us to sleep peacefully, we must ensure that every child is educated, and so I want to align myself with the vision of the foundation in ensuring that it takes very positive steps to ensure that education becomes at the forefront of its activities,” Useni said.
Similarly, the former Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Sambo, warned that Nigeria’s demographic future could turn into a disaster if the country fails to engage its youthful population productively.
The puzzle from the foregoing is why lawmakers, policymakers, education advocates, and highly placed individuals who ought to report on their efforts to ameliorate the problem are raising alarm over a problem known to all?
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4) focuses on quality education. The importance of this goal to a nation’s growth cannot be overstated. Education helps to provide the knowledge, skills, attitude, and technological competence to transform any country for the better. Consequently, the purpose of SDG 4 is to ensure that every child has the right to quality education, irrespective of their gender, age, social, economic, racial, religious, or traditional background.
According to the 2024 updated Situation Analysis of Children and Adolescents in Nigeria (SitAn), about 10 million children of primary school age and 8 million of secondary school age are out of school. Similarly, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) stated that “Nigeria faces a severe crisis with 18.3 million children out of school, and this alarming figure positions Nigeria as the country with the highest number of out-of-school children globally.”
Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, struggles with a deeply entrenched educational crisis revealed by the alarming rise in out-of-school children. This burgeoning crisis poses significant risks not only to the affected children but also to the nation’s future stability, economic growth, and social cohesion.
Several interrelated factors contribute to this crisis, encompassing socio-economic, cultural, and political dimensions.
Poverty: One of the most critical drivers of school dropout rates is the pervasive poverty experienced by many Nigerian families. For numerous households, sending children to school incurs expenses that they cannot afford. Parents often prioritize immediate needs, such as food and shelter, over education, precipitating decisions that undermine their children’s future opportunities.
Insecurity: In various regions of Nigeria, particularly in the North-East, due to insurgency from groups like Boko Haram, safety concerns have led to widespread school closures. The fear of attacks on schools and abduction of students has deterred parents from sending their children to school, further exacerbating the already challenging educational landscape.
Cultural Barriers: Tradition and cultural norms also play a pivotal role in the rising number of out-of-school children. In some communities, particularly in the Northern region, there exists a cultural preference for educating males over females. This gender disparity in educational access further compounds the problem, leaving girls, in particular, at a disadvantage and without opportunities for empowerment.
Inadequate Infrastructure: The lack of sufficient educational infrastructure remains a significant barrier. Many rural areas lack adequate schools and qualified teachers, making it difficult for children to receive a quality education. Poor classroom conditions and insufficient learning materials dissuade attendance and full participation.
Government Policies: Ineffective policies and poor implementation of existing educational frameworks have left many children unaccounted for. Despite initiatives aimed at improving access to education, there is often inadequate funding and support for these policies. Corruption within governmental structures further diverts resources intended for educational development, leaving many schools under-resourced and in disarray. The large number of out-of-school children in Nigeria has far-reaching implications that extend beyond individual lives, posing a threat to the nation’s progress.
Economic Impact: The economic repercussions of a large population of out-of-school children are profound. Education is a key driver of economic growth, and a well-educated workforce is necessary for national development. When children are denied access to education, they miss out on acquiring essential skills and knowledge that contribute to personal and societal advancement. Consequently, these children may grow into adults who lack the qualifications needed for stable employment, leading to high rates of poverty. The World Bank’s estimates suggest that each additional year of schooling can increase an individual’s earnings by up to 10%. Thus, the absence of formal education directly correlates with a cycle of poverty that is difficult to break.
Social Instability: The link between education and social stability is well-documented. A large population of disenfranchised, uneducated youth can lead to increased crime rates, unrest, and radicalization. Consequently, neglecting education fosters an environment in which extremism can thrive, further aggravating security challenges. The social fabric of Nigeria is at risk due to the large number of out-of-school children. Education plays a vital role in instilling civic values and promoting social cohesion. Without education, children are less likely to understand their rights and responsibilities as citizens. This disconnect can lead to increased incidences of crime, social unrest, and conflict within communities. Additionally, uneducated youth may become susceptible to radicalization and exploitation, perpetuating cycles of violence and instability. The absence of educational opportunities has long-term implications for national security and the well-being of the people.
Healthcare Outcomes: The educational attainment of individuals has a direct impact on health outcomes. Studies indicate that educated individuals are more likely to make informed decisions about their health, engage with healthcare services, and adopt healthier lifestyles. Conversely, children who remain out of school often grow up in environments where health resources and information are limited. This can increase their vulnerability to preventable diseases, malnutrition, and higher mortality rates. Furthermore, the lack of education perpetuates a cycle of poor health, as uneducated individuals are less equipped to exploit health services or advocate for better health policies in their communities.
Gender Disparities: The issue of out-of-school children exacerbates existing gender disparities in Nigeria. Historically, girls have faced significant barriers to education, including cultural norms that prioritize male education and early marriage. The increasing number of out-of-school children disproportionately affects girls, perpetuating a cycle of inequality. When girls are denied education, it limits their opportunities for personal and professional development, undermining their potential contributions to society. Educating girls has a multiplier effect on community development, inducing improved economic outcomes, health benefits, and social stability. As such, neglecting the education of girls hampers national progress and development.
Impact on Future Generations: The current crisis of out-of-school children will inexorably sway future generations. Children who do not receive an education are less likely to value it, causing a decline in educational aspirations across families and communities. This trend creates a vicious cycle in which generations remain trapped in poverty and ignorance. The long-term impact on human capital development can stifle innovation and hinder the country’s ability to compete in an increasingly globalized world. In essence, neglecting the plight of out-of-school children today sets a worrying precedent for the socio-economic prospects of Nigeria’s future.
Addressing the rising number of out-of-school children in Nigeria requires a multifaceted approach involving stakeholders at every level, from government and civil society to international organizations and local communities. The following strategies could contribute to reducing the rate of children left outside the educational system:
Investment in Free Education: The Nigerian government must commit to providing free and compulsory education for all children. This includes addressing hidden costs associated with schooling, such as uniforms, books, and transportation, which continue to burden families. Also, improving access to quality education is essential. This could involve building more schools in underserved areas, and moving school children from the conflict zones to schools in secure areas
Strengthening Security Measures: Enhancing security around schools is crucial, especially in conflict-prone areas. Initiatives aimed at safeguarding educational institutions, training security personnel, and engaging community members can help restore trust in the school system and encourage enrollment.
Community Awareness Programs: Educational campaigns targeting communities can help shift cultural perceptions regarding education, particularly for girls. By engaging community leaders and parents in discussions about the value of education, it is possible to cultivate a culture that prioritizes learning for all children, regardless of gender or socio-economic background.
Improving Educational Infrastructure: Investing in building and modernizing schools, particularly in underserved areas, ensures that children have access to conducive learning environments. Additionally, enhancing teacher training programs can help elevate the quality of education delivered in classrooms across the country.
Policy Reforms and Monitoring: To ensure effective implementation of educational policies, there must be transparency and accountability in funding allocation. Strengthened monitoring systems can track enrollment and retention rates, allowing for timely interventions when problems are identified.
Partnerships with NGOs and International Organizations: Collaborations between the government, non-governmental organizations, and international bodies can leverage resources and expertise to address educational deficits. These partnerships can facilitate the sharing of best practices and innovative programs tailored to the local context. These organizations often come equipped with resources, expertise, and approaches that can complement governmental efforts. Joint initiatives focused on providing educational materials, scholarships, and teacher training can create a more robust support system for education in Nigeria.
In conclusion, the rising number of out-of-school children in Nigeria represents a ticking time bomb that demands immediate action to prevent disastrous consequences for the nation’s future. With the interplay of poverty, insecurity, cultural barriers, inadequate infrastructure, and ineffective policies, the challenge is multifaceted. However, through concerted efforts involving investment in education, security, promoting community awareness, improving infrastructure, reforming policies, and establishing strategic partnerships, Nigeria has the potential to turn the tide against this crisis. All stakeholders must recognize the gravity of this issue and take decisive action to ensure that education becomes a fundamental right accessible to every child, thereby securing a brighter future for Nigeria.