By Peter Omopo
Yola | July 25, 2025 – The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called on traditional rulers in Adamawa State to take the lead in addressing the alarming number of out-of-school children, particularly girls, in the state and across Nigeria’s North-East region.
Speaking during a one-day stakeholders meeting held on Tuesday in Yola, the Chief of UNICEF’s Bauchi Field Office, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, revealed that more than 80 million school-age children are currently out of school in Nigeria. She stressed that traditional institutions must become key advocates for child education due to their close ties with communities.
“Some parents are not even aware of the importance of education. Traditional rulers, who are closest to the people, have a crucial role in reversing this trend,” Rafique stated. She reiterated that access to quality education in a safe and conducive environment is a fundamental right of every child.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders to develop strategies for improving school enrolment, retention, and completion, especially among marginalized groups.
UNICEF Education Specialist, Mr. Raphael Aiyedipe, noted that the session aimed to strengthen collaboration between traditional institutions, state governments, and development partners in addressing the crisis of out-of-school children. “We are working to ensure traditional rulers become frontline advocates in boosting enrolment and ensuring children remain in school,” he said.
Commissioner for Education in Adamawa State, Dr. Umar Pella, expressed appreciation to UNICEF for its continued support of the state’s education sector. He disclosed that the state government was finalizing legislation that would make school enrolment compulsory for all children.
Pella acknowledged that insecurity in the North had undermined educational values in many communities, but he emphasized that education remains a key tool in curbing youth involvement in crime and insurgency. “If our children are in school, they are less likely to be drawn into criminal activities,” he said.
In a strong show of support, the Lamido of Adamawa, Dr. Barkindo Mustapha, who is also Chairman of the Adamawa State Council of Chiefs and Emirs, pledged the full backing of traditional leaders for educational development. Represented by the District Head of Karewa, Barr. Musa Abdu, the Lamido commended UNICEF and the state government for their efforts in revamping education in the state and promised that traditional rulers would now actively promote school enrolment and retention within their domains.
The meeting marked another step in UNICEF’s sustained advocacy to bridge the education gap in Nigeria’s underserved regions, as the agency continues to partner with governments and communities to secure a brighter future for every Nigerian child.
