10.5 Million and Counting: Nigeria’s Out-of-School Children at Risk of Extremist Recruitment

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo recently emphasized that Nigeria’s large number of out-of-school children creates a vulnerable pool for future Boko Haram recruitment if left unaddressed. He stressed that education and human capacity building are crucial for development and a safer society.

Obasanjo warned that neglecting their education could have dire consequences, potentially breeding more insurgents. He highlighted the devastating impact of terrorism, which has ravaged nations, claimed innocent lives, and destabilized communities.

Nigeria has a staggering number of out-of-school children, UNICEF reports that about 10.5 million children aged 5-14 years not attending school. This translates to about one in three Nigerian children being out of school. Breaking it down further, around 10.2 million primary school-age children and 8.1 million junior secondary school-age children are not in school. The situation is even more dire in the northern regions, where over half of the girls are not in school.

Children are out of school for various reasons. Poverty is a big cause, as many families can’t afford school fees or supplies. Lack of quality schools, especially in rural areas, makes it hard for kids to attend. Security issues, like conflicts and kidnappings, discourage parents from sending their children, especially girls. Early marriages and child labor also keep children from school, as some parents prefer their kids to work or marry young. Additionally, poor government funding and infrastructure mean some schools are in bad shape, with not enough teachers or materials, leading to a low quality of education.

Poverty is a major reason many children in Nigeria are out of school because families struggling to meet basic needs often can’t afford the extra costs of education, like school fees, uniforms, and books. When parents have limited money, they may prioritize food and shelter over schooling. In many cases, children are expected to work to help support the family, leaving little or no time for education. Without the financial resources, families are forced to choose survival over schooling, which keeps many children out of the classroom and limits their future opportunities.

The lack of quality schools in Nigeria means that many children don’t have access to a proper education, even if they want to attend. In some areas, especially rural regions, there may be few schools or none at all, and those that exist often lack trained teachers, classrooms, and learning materials. With overcrowded classrooms and poor facilities, students may struggle to learn, and parents may feel it’s not worth sending their children to school if they aren’t receiving a quality education. This lack of good schools discourages attendance and leaves many children out of school entirely.

Security issues is another reason children in Nigeria stay out of school, especially in areas affected by conflict and violence. In places where there are frequent attacks by armed groups or kidnappings, parents fear for their children’s safety and often keep them at home to protect them. Schools in some areas have even been forced to close because they aren’t safe, leaving children without a place to learn. With the constant threat of violence, many families choose to avoid sending their kids to school altogether, adding to the number of out-of-school children.

When girls are married off at a young age, they often have to leave school to focus on household duties and raising children. Similarly, boys and girls involved in child labor work long hours to help their families earn money, leaving them with no time or energy for school. These practices take children away from education, limiting their chances for a better future and continuing the cycle of poverty.

When the government doesn’t invest enough in education, schools face shortages of teachers, classrooms, and learning materials, making it difficult for children to get a proper education. Some areas end up with no nearby schools at all, and existing schools may lack basic facilities like desks, books, or safe buildings. With inadequate support, families either struggle to send their children to poorly equipped schools or keep them at home entirely, leading to high numbers of out-of-school children.

Having many children out of school in Nigeria has serious effects on the country. Without education, these children miss out on learning essential skills like reading, writing, and critical thinking, which limits their job opportunities as they grow up. This means they are more likely to face poverty as adults, which creates a cycle of hardship that can also affect future generations. Lack of education also means they may be less aware of important topics, like health, which can impact their overall well-being.

For the country as a whole, a large number of out-of-school children weakens Nigeria’s economic growth and development. Without educated workers, industries struggle to find skilled employees, slowing down progress and innovation. Moreover, communities with low education levels often face more social challenges, such as increased crime rates and political instability, as uneducated youths may turn to harmful activities. In this way, the issue affects everyone by reducing overall safety, stability, and prosperity in Nigeria.

To reduce the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria, a key solution is to improve government funding for education. By increasing the education budget, the government can build more schools, hire and train more teachers, and provide essential learning materials. This can help make education accessible to children in both rural and urban areas, allowing more students to have a comfortable and safe place to learn. Strengthening school infrastructure and ensuring teachers are well-paid and motivated can make schools more attractive and effective, encouraging families to keep their children in school.

Another solution is to provide financial support to low-income families. Programs like scholarships, free school meals, and free or subsidized uniforms and books can ease the burden on parents who struggle to afford school costs. Community awareness programs can also help parents understand the long-term benefits of education, motivating them to prioritize schooling for their children. Additionally, offering flexible schooling options, such as evening or weekend classes, can help children who work during the day to still receive an education. Together, these steps can bring Nigeria closer to ensuring that every child has the chance to attend school.