"A Crisis in the Classroom: The State of Basic Education in Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina"
By Ali R. Ali, Jigawa
n the heart of Nigeria's northern region, a crisis is brewing in the classrooms of Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina states. The statistics are staggering: over 1.8 million children are out of school, and those who are enrolled are struggling to learn.
"This is a crisis that requires immediate attention," said Rahama Rihood Mohammed Farah, Chief of UNICEF Kano Field Office. "We cannot afford to wait; the future of these children and the future of our nation depend on it."
A visit to any school in these states reveals a disturbing reality. Overcrowded classrooms, inadequate infrastructure, and a severe shortage of qualified teachers are just a few of the challenges facing students and educators alike.
"I want to learn, but it's hard when there are so many of us in one classroom," said 12-year-old Aisha, a student at a primary school in Kano. "Sometimes, the teacher can't even see us, let alone teach us."
The consequences of this crisis are far-reaching. Children who are out of school are more likely to be married off early, forced into child labor, or recruited into armed groups. Those who are in school but not learning are unlikely to break the cycle of poverty that has held their families back for generations.
But there is hope. UNICEF, in partnership with the governments of Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina, is working to address the crisis through a range of initiatives.
"We are committed to supporting the governments of these states to improve access to quality education for all children," said Farah. "We believe that every child deserves the chance to learn and thrive."
As the world marks the International Day of Education, the crisis in the classrooms of Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina serves as a stark reminder of the work that remains to be done.
"We cannot afford to fail these children," said Farah. "We must act now to ensure that every child has access to quality education and the chance to reach their full potential."