UNICEF says over 50% displaced children in N/East still out of school, calls for increased funding for education

Jan. 24, 2024

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) says over 50 per cent of  displaced children in the North East are still out of school.

Ms. Phuong Nguyen, the Chief of UNICEF Field Office in Borno, disclosed this at an event in Maiduguri on Wednesday to commemorate the 2024 International Day of Education (IDE).

She  urged governments at all levels in the Nort East to increase funding for education.

“We must make sizeable and sustainable investment in teachers’ recruitment and training; school and security, including fortification of schools infrastructure against climate change disruption..

“UNICEF will continue to work with the government, donors and other partners to raise the bar of education for girls and boys affected by conflict and give them a future,” Nguyen said.

Nguyen also said that only less than 40 per cent of schools in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe have teachers with the minimum level of teaching qualifications.

“For many children, the right to education has not translated into the right to learn, hence the learning crisis and other challenges that we are trying to address,” Nguyen said.

Some of the activities organized by UNICEF and donors to mark this year’s IDE in Borno include quiz competition for schools, paper presentation, discussions, and field visits to schools supported by UNICEF. (NAN)