EducationNews

Alarmingly Two Out Of Every Ten Out-Of-School Children Worldwide Are Nigerian

Stats Revealed On International Day of Girl Child

11th October 2023

As the world marks the 2023 international day of the girl child. The theme guiding all events to mark the day is “Our time is now – our rights, our future.”

In Kano state Northwest Nigeria, UNICEF Country Representative, Mrs Cristian Munduate while commemorating the 2023 International Day of the Girl Child at an event held at the Kano state Government House revealed outcomes of studies which suggest that Nigeria alarmingly accounts for almost one quarter of out of school girls in the world.

She said, “While the accomplishments of girls give hope, the bigger picture brings forth an alarming reality as 7.6 million girls in Nigeria, many from the northern regions, remain deprived of these very opportunities.

“Nigeria, alarmingly, accounts for 15% of out-of-school children worldwide. Yet, only a mere 9% of the poorest girls have the chance to attend secondary school. This is not just a statistic, it’s a wake-up call. However, amidst these challenges, we find glimmers of hope.”

Why Many Girls Are Out-Of-School In Northern States

Panel discussions on achieving quality of Girl Child were discussed by some selected girls across the state during the colorful event. The discussion borders on inherent challenges faced by the girl child in Kano and by extension the northern part of the country.

The issues that came to the fore include:

  • challenges of insecurity as a major barrier to girl-child education
  • the need for girls to participate in many sectors of human endeavour to which they are hindered by cultural barriers.
  • Poverty

Kano state has it’s fair share of these challenges being ranked second in the number of out-of-school girls in Nigeria. The focus on Kano state in efforts to educate the girl child is due to its large population and the clear need, more than ever, to emphasize the transformative power of education, a tool that not only creates opportunities but actively breaks cycles of poverty.

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