The United Nations Children’s Fund on Friday disclosed that more than half of the children displaced by conflict in North East Nigeria are out of school.
The UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Borno State, Joseph Senesie, made the disclosure during an event organised to commemorate the 2025 International Day of Education at the University of Maiduguri, Borno State.
While delivering his speech on this year’s theme, “Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Education – Preserving human agency in a world of automation,” Senesie pointed out that despite the wide embrace of education in Nigeria, there is still a huge gap to be filled, particularly in rural communities where there is lack of access to quality education
“While every International Day of Education affords us the opportunity to look at how far we have come, we cannot lose sight of the huge gaps that still exist in reaching the most disadvantaged children in rural communities with quality and inclusive education.
“As of today, more than half of all displaced children in Northeast Nigeria are out of school. For many children, the right to education has still not translated into the right to learn,” he said.
According to him, the International Day of Education is observed annually across the globe on January 24, and it provides an opportunity for reflection on the pivotal role of education in fostering global peace and sustainable development.
“The 2025 theme: ‘Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Education – Preserving human agency in a world of automation’ provides an opportunity to explore the Challenges and Prospects that can be leveraged to expand learning opportunities for children and Youth.”
He further noted that UNICEF is partnering with the Borno State government to ensure access to quality education and the incorporation of technology to modern learning
“In the past two years (2023-2024), UNICEF, in collaboration with the Borno State Government, supported technological initiatives that enhanced digital learning through the introduction of the Nigeria Learning Passport.
“Over 30,000 teachers across the 18 states are trained in digital literacy and pedagogical skills.
“In Borno State alone, more than 102 teachers, with 38,657 learners, have enrolled and actively registered in at least one course on the platform,” he added
Senesie called on the government and non-governmental organisations to embrace the change that comes with technology through proper funding and investment.
“I want to take this opportunity to call on all, both the government and partners, to embrace the change that comes with technology and make it worth pushing forward by allocating sufficient resources for digital learning.
“As the world evolves, digital platforms become crucial avenues for increased access to knowledge and skills acquisition, which is mandatory for a better future,” he noted.
Senesie reiterated UNICEF’s commitment to supporting the education of children who are affected by over a decade of insurgency in Nigeria.
“UNICEF will continue to work with the government, donors, and other partners to raise the bar in terms of providing safe and quality access to education for girls and boys affected by conflict in Nigeria,” he said
On his part, the Borno State Commissioner of Education, Lawan Wakilbe, called on students to find opportunities in technology and embrace it in their day-to-day activities
“The future is technology. Every sector today has incoperated technology in one way or the other. Therefore, as leaders of tomorrow, you must start embracing and using it in your pursuit of excellence,” Wakilbe said.
