UNICEF Worried Over Limited Access to Quality Education for Children in Bauchi

By Kasim Isa Muhammad

Kanempress

28th July 2023

UNICEF has expressed concern about a significant number of children in Bauchi State being unable to access their fundamental rights and reach their full potential, hindering their dreams and aspirations in life.

The agency emphasized the role of quality education, especially at the basic level, in a country’s development.

During a media dialogue on Out-of-School Children (OOSC) in Misau, Mr. Tushar Rane, the UNICEF chief of field office, commended the state government for collaborating with UNICEF to enhance education outcomes in the region.

He said despite education’s importance, Nigeria is facing a significant challenge as over 10 million school-aged children are currently out of school, posing a major obstacle to the country’s development.

Rene stated, “As we gather to brainstorm on one of the most critical challenges facing our dear state, Bauchi – the issue of school age children who are not in school. I appreciate the government of Bauchi State for the partnership with UNICEF to improve the education outcomes in the state.

“Education plays a vital role in the development of any country. Quality education, especially at the basic level, is integral to socio-economic development; no nation can rise above its educational level.

“At UNICEF, we are committed to improving the lives of children and women in Nigeria, especially in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); and the Education for All (EFA) goals of educating all children at all levels and in all groups,” he said.

He stressed the organization’s commitment to collaborating with the government to improve the delivery of education and remove obstacles that prevent children from accessing quality education.

While adding the collaboration extends to working closely with traditional leaders, civil society organizations, faith-based groups, communities, and other development partners to address the issue of out-of-school children effectively.

He also applauded the media outlets, “My media colleagues, you are the drivers of social discourse! I encourage us to let the discussions from this media dialogue motivate us, to amplify the voices of out-of-school-children, advocate for change, and to reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind.

“We all have roles to play in ensuring children of school age in Bauchi State are enrolled into school at the right age. By working hand in hand, we can pave the way for a brighter and more inclusive future for children in Bauchi and beyond.

“I commend all of you for your support to the cause of advancing child rights concerns in Nigeria and I reiterate our commitment to strengthening the partnership with you to ensure that all school age children in Nigeria, including those in Bauchi State, fulfil their right to quality education,” Rane said.