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UNICEF: One million Nigerian students to miss new school term
As Nigerian begin a new school calendar year this month, UNICEF says at least one million Nigerian students are unable to join the over 37 million students across the country because of rising insecurity and a spate of kidnappings in the last few months. Maulid Warfa, Chief of Field Office for UNICEF in Kaduna, joins me to discuss this.
Mon, 20 Sep 2021 12:15:51 GMT
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AI Generated Summary
- UNICEF highlights the challenges faced by more than one million Nigerian students unable to attend school due to security threats and kidnappings.
- The lack of digital infrastructure in northern Nigeria hinders efforts to transition to online learning platforms, exacerbated by communication breakdowns.
- UNICEF recommends a comprehensive approach to addressing the education crisis, emphasizing the importance of in-person schooling and the safe school initiative to protect children and communities.
As Nigeria commences a new school calendar year, the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has sounded the alarm that more than one million Nigerian students are unable to join the over 37 million students across the country due to escalating security concerns and a surge in kidnappings in recent months. Marliet Waffer, the Chief of Field Office for UNICEF in Kaduna, shed light on this critical issue during a recent interview on CNBC Africa. The dire situation is drawing attention globally, with UNICEF recently participating in the 'digital freeze' protests on September 16th to highlight the plight of students unable to resume in-person classes. While acknowledging the value of digital learning, UNICEF emphasized the importance of students having the enriching experience of being in a physical classroom. The situation in Nigeria has been compounded by the ongoing insurgency and banditry, making it unsafe for many students to return to school. Despite efforts like the Nigerian Safe School Program initiated in 2014 to relocate students from high-risk areas to safer locations, challenges such as funding and logistical obstacles continue to hinder progress. UNICEF is actively partnering with the government and educational authorities in Nigeria to address the learning needs of children, particularly in regions affected by insecurity. However, significant barriers remain, with some states successfully relocating students while others grapple with a large number of children being unable to access education. The lack of digital infrastructure in northern Nigeria poses a significant challenge to implementing widespread online learning initiatives, exacerbated by instances of communication breakdowns due to insecurity. The country's technological capacity is also limited compared to more developed nations, further impeding efforts to transition to digital learning platforms. UNICEF stresses the urgency of finding solutions to enable children to resume learning, emphasizing the need for a multifaceted approach that combines digital learning with in-person schooling where feasible. Recommendations include the rollout of the safe school initiative, community engagement, early warning systems, and aligning security measures with educational goals. Fostering a sense of safety within schools and communities is crucial to ensuring children can access education without fear. The consequences of leaving a large number of children out of school are severe, with potential long-term implications for the country's security and economic development. Neglecting the education of young people can lead to social discontent, increased vulnerability to exploitation, and a loss of productivity in the workforce. Countries like Somalia have experienced the negative repercussions of having a generation of uneducated youth, with implications for stability and security. By investing in education and prioritizing the welfare of children, Nigeria can safeguard its future and prevent a potential crisis in youth engagement and development. UNICEF's call to action urges the government to prioritize education as a cornerstone of national progress and security, highlighting the pivotal role that schooling plays in shaping a country's future. Ensuring that every child has access to quality education is not just a matter of academics but a vital step in safeguarding Nigeria's stability and prosperity. The time to act is now, as the future of the nation depends on the investment in its youth.
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