The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has expressed deep concern over the alarming number of out-of-school children in Kano State, disclosing that approximately 989,234 children are currently not accessing any form of education. This revelation has prompted a renewed call on the Kano State government to urgently implement the Child Protection Law passed in 2023 to safeguard children’s rights.
Speaking on the crisis, Samuel Kaalu, Communication Specialist at UNICEF’s Kano Field Office, stated that the staggering figures represent more than just statistics. “The number of out-of-school children in Kano State is alarming, with approximately 989,234 children not accessing education,” he said. Kaalu explained that these children are not only being denied their right to learn but are also more vulnerable to exploitation, abuse, and neglect.
UNICEF emphasised that the implementation of the Child Protection Law could serve as a powerful tool in tackling the myriad of challenges facing children in Kano. “The law aims to prevent child abuse, neglect, and exploitation while promoting access to education, healthcare, and protection from harmful practices,” Kaalu explained. He noted that without deliberate enforcement, the legislation remains a paper tiger.
A major contributor to the crisis, according to UNICEF, is the Almajiri system. Kaalu noted that the informal religious education model, widely practiced in northern Nigeria, often leaves children without access to proper education and healthcare. “Kano faces challenges with millions of children out-of-school. The Almajiri system, which is prevalent in the state, often leaves children without access to proper education and healthcare,” he said.
In addition to the education crisis, malnutrition and lack of healthcare continue to plague many children in the state. Kaalu highlighted the troubling health implications of widespread hunger. “Malnutrition is also a pressing issue, with many children suffering from hunger and related health problems,” he added. This, he noted, further compounds the vulnerability of Kano’s children.
UNICEF also revealed another disturbing statistic: over 300,000 children in Kano State remain unvaccinated against preventable childhood diseases. “Over 300,000 children in Kano State are yet to be immunised against childhood killer diseases, which represents about 55 percent of the 600,000 children without immunisation in Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina states,” Kaalu stated. He said this poses a serious public health risk and reflects a failure of basic service delivery.
Kaalu urged the Kano State government to move beyond rhetoric and take decisive action. “The children of Kano deserve more than words — they deserve the full implementation of the law that was written in their name,” he declared. According to him, it is time the state treats the welfare of children as a critical development priority.
He concluded by stating that the time for urgent intervention is now. “By implementing the Child Protection Law, the Kano State government can take a significant step towards protecting the rights and welfare of its children,” Kaalu said. He warned that failure to act would have long-term consequences not only for the affected children but also for the state’s future.
