Prominent northern leaders have voiced their concerns over Nigeria’s growing out-of-school crisis, blaming state and local governments for failing to invest adequately in basic education. The leaders cited the devastating effects of indoctrination and insurgency as contributing factors, particularly in the northern regions.
According to recent data from UNICEF, Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children globally, with 10.2 million primary school-age children and 8.1 million at the junior secondary level no longer in education. Despite federal efforts to revive the sector, critics say that state governments must do more to address the crisis.
Alhassan Doguwa, a member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, spoke to The Mediam in Abuja. “While federal agencies like the Universal Basic Education Commission are working to complement state efforts, the real responsibility lies with state governors,” Doguwa said. He criticised the lack of funding and oversight in school administration, which he believes has directly contributed to the rise in out-of-school children, particularly in northern Nigeria.
Doguwa also linked the crisis to worsening insecurity in the region. “The growing number of children out of school fuels the cycle of insecurity in the North,” he warned, pointing to a direct correlation between children on the streets and rising crime rates. While praising federal initiatives, such as the student loan scheme and the school feeding programme, Doguwa stressed that local authorities must also step up.
Arewa Youth Consultative Forum Chairman, Yerima Shettima, echoed Doguwa’s sentiments, stating that while President Tinubu’s student loan scheme is a positive step, it won’t address the deeper structural issues unless implemented properly. “We need a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach,” Shettima said. “It’s time for the government, civil society, and local communities to come together to ensure that every child has access to education.”
Former Secretary General of the Arewa Consultative Forum, Anthony Sani, added that religious resistance and lack of resources have also hindered progress. He called for savings from the recent fuel subsidy removal to be channelled into a trust fund dedicated to human capital development.
The out-of-school crisis, they argue, is not just an education problem—it’s a national emergency demanding immediate action.
