UNICEF has partnered with media executives and bureau chiefs in Kaduna to address the rising issue of out-of-school children in Northern Nigeria. The one-day event aimed to create a stronger alliance between UNICEF and the media to raise awareness and find lasting solutions for the challenges affecting children in the region. UNICEF’s CAP specialist, Susan Akila, who represented the country director, stressed the vital role of the media in achieving the organization’s objectives, highlighting that their partnership is essential for driving change.
Akila explained that UNICEF’s ongoing partnership with the media is fundamental to its mission of improving the lives of children and women in Nigeria. She emphasized that the organization’s efforts are aimed at ensuring that children have access to education, better health care, and the opportunity to shape their futures. The collaboration is part of a broader strategy to improve the situation of children by 2050, with a focus on their rights to education, health, and protection.
Ibrahim Mohammed from the UNICEF Kaduna field office also addressed the gathering, underscoring the importance of raising awareness about the crisis of out-of-school children. He outlined the need for concerted efforts to ensure that every child is enrolled in school and remains there. Mohammed highlighted that UNICEF’s efforts not only focus on education but also tackle other critical issues affecting children, such as birth registration, malnutrition, and stunting, which have long-term impacts on their development.
The Director of Planning at the Ministry of Education in Kaduna, Salisu Lawal, acknowledged the progress the state has made in addressing the out-of-school children issue but noted that several challenges persist. He pointed to societal factors such as poverty, resistance to sending children to school, and the failure to complete schooling as significant barriers. Lawal emphasized that despite these challenges, the ministry is working tirelessly to implement policies and programs that will address these factors and increase school enrolment and retention.
The partnership between UNICEF and the media aims to mobilize public support and push for greater commitment from the government and local communities to address these issues. The hope is that through sustained collaboration and advocacy, Northern Nigeria will see a significant reduction in the number of out-of-school children, ensuring that more children have the opportunity to receive an education and fulfil their potential.
