Jumoke Olasunkanmi
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called on governors in the northern region of Nigeria to increase funding for the education sector.
Phuong Nguyen, the Chief of UNICEF’s field office in Borno state, emphasised the need for significant and sustainable investment in education during the 2024 International Day of Education event in Borno state.
Ms Nguyen highlighted the importance of investing in teachers’ recruitment and training, securing school infrastructure against climate disruptions, and enhancing security measures.
She also stressed that over 50% of displaced children in the Northeast lack access to education, and less than 40% of schools in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe have teachers with minimum qualifications.
UNICEF expressed its commitment to working with the government, donors, and other partners to improve education for children affected by conflict. Stated, “For many children, the right to education has not translated into the right to learn, hence the learning crisis and other challenges that we are trying to address,” Ms Nguyen stated.
