The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with the European Union (EU), has inaugurated a National Programme Steering Committee to drive the €40 million Education and Youth Empowerment in North-West Nigeria (EYEPINN) initiative. The project is designed to address the alarming number of out-of-school children, enhance teacher training, and boost youth skills development across Jigawa, Kano, and Sokoto States.
The committee, chaired by Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and co-chaired by Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, is tasked with providing strategic direction and ensuring effective implementation. Its secretariat will be managed by the EU Technical Assistance Team, with quarterly meetings scheduled to monitor progress and an annual general session to evaluate outcomes.
Speaking at the official launch in Abuja, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Abel Enitan, commended the EU for its continued support in strengthening Nigeria’s education sector. Represented by the Director of Polytechnic Education and Allied Institutions, Dr. Usman Ejeh, Enitan noted that the programme reflects a shared vision of ensuring equitable, quality, and inclusive education.
“The EYEPINN project stands out as one of the most strategic interventions aimed at tackling the persistent challenges of out-of-school children, teacher capacity development, youth skills acquisition, and the creation of safe learning spaces,” Enitan said.
He emphasised that the committee would serve as both an oversight mechanism and a policy advisory platform, ensuring that the programme’s goals align with national education priorities.
“We must ensure that every Euro invested produces measurable results, improved learning outcomes, better-trained teachers, safer schools, and a stronger education system that truly leaves no child behind,” he added.
EU reaffirms commitment to education reform
Leila Ben Amor Mathieu, the EU Delegation’s Team Leader for Human Development, described EYEPINN as the EU’s first standalone education project in Nigeria, calling it a flagship initiative for the bloc.
“This project was designed in close collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education to meet the real needs of Nigerian learners. It’s the first of its kind for us in Nigeria, and we’re proud to see it take off,” she said.
She further revealed that the EU has committed €800 million to Nigeria between 2021 and 2027 under its national programme framework, with education representing a core priority.
“This €40 million project is being implemented through partners such as UNICEF, Plan International, and DIME, with additional technical assistance to the Ministry. While we focused mainly on basic education, particularly Quranic and nomadic schools, the goal is to bridge existing learning gaps and bring more children into classrooms,” Mathieu explained.
Partners commend the initiative
UNICEF’s Chief of Education, Vanessa Lee, described the intervention as timely, noting that it aligns with Nigeria’s ongoing education reform agenda.
“This programme arrives at a crucial moment. It supports the federal and state education boards in addressing foundational literacy and numeracy, professional teacher development, and digital data transformation,” she said.
Lee reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to helping every child learn, particularly through establishing integrated Quranic learning centres, promoting play-based learning, and expanding access to marginalised communities.
Dr. Charles Usie, Country Director of Plan International, hailed the EU’s broad partnership with Nigeria, noting that the initiative represents hope for thousands of children who would otherwise remain excluded from education.
“Today’s event is not just about policy, it’s about giving real children a chance at a better future,” he said.
Similarly, Duncan Harvey, Country Director of Save the Children International, lauded the project as a critical step towards strengthening educational leadership and inclusivity.
“Every child, regardless of gender, background, or ability, deserves quality education. This initiative helps bring that vision closer to reality,” Harvey stated.
Tackling a deepening crisis
Nigeria continues to face one of the highest rates of out-of-school children in the world, with an estimated 20 million currently not enrolled, a majority of them from the North-West region. Persistent insecurity, widespread poverty, and deteriorating school infrastructure have compounded the crisis, leaving millions of children without access to learning opportunities.
The EYEPINN project seeks to reverse this trend by improving school enrolment, enhancing the quality of teaching, and equipping young people with relevant skills for employability.
By pooling resources and expertise, the Federal Government and the EU hope to build a more inclusive and resilient education system that can restore hope to disadvantaged children and youth across northern Nigeria.
“Education remains the key to rebuilding communities and empowering future generations,” said Enitan. “Through collaboration and accountability, we can make education not just a right, but a reality for every Nigerian child.”
