Nigeria’s Education Crisis: 19 Million Children Out of School Amidst Kidnapping Fears Lagos, Nigeria – LEDE: Over 19 million children in Nigeria are out of school, driven away by the persistent threat of kidnappings and insecurity, according to recent data. NUT GRAF: The situation is part of a broader crisis in the country’s education system, exacerbated by a combination of insecurity and conflict, which has seen nearly 15,000 schools closed in West and Central Africa as of mid-2025.
The impact of this crisis is profound.
Officials commented on the matter. “
In Nigeria, the situation is dire, with an estimated 18. 3 million children currently not in school, the largest number globally.
The roots of this crisis are deep and complex. Nigeria’s educational system has been significantly impacted by a combination of insecurity and conflict, leading to mass kidnappings and attacks on schools, as seen in the Chibok schoolgirls’abduction in 2014 and subsequent abductions. This has resulted in a large number of children being out of school, affecting their futures and economic development in the country.
Busola Rafiat Ojo — oba, a social worker and gender-based violence specialist in Lagos, believes the actual number of affected children is much higher than reported.
The challenges faced by teachers are immense. Christine Duran, an education expert, highlights the difficulties faced by educators, including reduced retention rates and increased workload, which exacerbate the education crisis.
The situation is not without hope, however. There are efforts underway to address the crisis.
The Nigerian government, along with international organizations, is working to provide alternative learning opportunities and improve security in schools. “.
These two things are connected and both of them need fixing now. Our children are watching, let us not let them down, “a UNICEF representative.
As the situation evolves, it remains clear that the education crisis in Nigeria is a complex and urgent issue that requires a coordinated and multi — faceted response from all stakeholders.
KICKER: The crisis is not only a threat to the futures of millions of Nigerian children but also to the country’s economic development and social cohesion.
As efforts to address the crisis continue, the hope is that the situation will improve and that children will once again be able to attend school without fear.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: france24 – Africa
Source: FRANCE24
