Mirian Gom 
KANO, Nigeria – The Kano out-of-school children population has fallen by 113,641, according to the Kano State Out-of-School Children Survey Report 2026, although 875,593 children remain outside the formal education system.
The Kano State Ministry of Education released the report during a stakeholder meeting held in Kano on Wednesday.
Commissioner for Education Dr Ali Haruna Abubakar Makoda says the latest figure represents an 11.5 per cent reduction from the 989,234 children recorded in UNICEF’s 2023 estimate.
He describes the decline as evidence that sustained investment in education is producing positive results but says greater efforts are still required.
Makoda explains that, unlike previous estimates, the 2026 survey provides verified and disaggregated data covering all 44 local government areas by age and gender.
He says the findings will strengthen evidence-based planning, policy formulation and targeted interventions aimed at enrolling and retaining children in school.
According to the commissioner, the progress is driven by increased investment under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, including school construction and rehabilitation, provision of learning materials, free school uniforms and enrolment campaigns.
He also credits improvements in education data management systems and collaboration with development partners.
“With accurate data, sustained investment, strong partnerships and political will, the challenge can be significantly reduced.”
Makoda urges parents, religious and traditional leaders, civil society organisations and donor agencies to support government efforts to ensure every child has access to education.
The ministry says the report provides a credible foundation for expanding access to education and addressing barriers keeping hundreds of thousands of children out of school.
About the Author
Oluwatobi Adu 
Hope Ajayi