A recent report has highlighted the urgent need for action regarding Nigeria’s alarming number of out-of-school children, which stands at approximately 18.4 million, according to UNICEF. This figure positions Nigeria as having the highest number of out-of-school children globally, with a significant portion, around 60%, being girls. The SOS Children’s Village Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to prioritize educational investment and child welfare to ensure that every child has access to quality schooling.
Atulegwu Favour, Deputy Speaker of the SOS Youth Parliament, emphasized the dire situation, noting that many children face threats from hunger, violence, and environmental hazards. She stated, “To us, peace isn’t just about not having wars or conflicts. It is essential for a good education and a better life.”
The report also underscores that about 70% of Nigerian children live in poverty, which often leads to neglect and abandonment. Eyekomagba Isaac Chimezie, another member of the SOS Youth Parliament, highlighted the severe malnutrition affecting over 2 million children, which limits their potential for growth and development.
The SOS Children’s Village has initiated a campaign called “Stomping for Peace” to advocate for peace against child labour, trafficking, and neglect, urging stakeholders to unite for the welfare of Nigerian children. The pressing need for a safe and nurturing environment for every child in Nigeria is clear, as the current education crisis continues to perpetuate cycles of poverty and inequality.
