UNICEF Champions Quality, Inclusive Education for Children in North-West Nigeria

Mohammed Farah, chief of UNICEF Field Office Kano, has called for greater involvement of young people in shaping an inclusive, relevant and empowering education system ahead of 2030.

Mr Farah made the call on Tuesday during the commemoration of the 2026 International Day of Education (IDE) held in Kano for UNICEF-supported states of Kano, Katsina and Jigawa.

Speaking on the theme, ‘The Power of Youth in Co-Creating Education’, Farah described education as a fundamental right and the foundation for building peaceful and prosperous societies.

“Education is not just a service; it is a right, a beacon of hope and the foundation of every strong society,” he said.

According to him, access to quality education remains critical to breaking cycles of hardship, restoring dignity and ensuring that every child, girl or boy, can contribute meaningfully to society.

He stated that young people must be at the centre of discussions on what education should look like by 2030, stressing that their perspectives would help shape systems that are inclusive, safe and responsive to modern realities.

Mr Farah said that children and adolescents desired classrooms that inspire creativity, teachers who motivate learning and systems that ensure no child is left behind.

The UNICEF chief explained that education must go beyond textbooks to equip learners with life skills, digital knowledge, critical thinking abilities and confidence to navigate future challenges.

In spite of the progress recorded, the UNICEF official expressed concern that many children were still out of school, while girls continued to face cultural, economic and social barriers to completing their education.

He identified poverty, insecurity, harmful social norms and limited resources as the major factors affecting learning outcomes in the region.

Mr Farah, however, emphasised that the IDE celebration was not only about challenges, but also about commitment and collective action.

“At UNICEF, we remain firmly committed to supporting governments and communities in Kano Field Office states to strengthen education systems, improve learning environments and ensure access to quality education for every child,” he said.

He commended government authorities, development partners, teachers, civil society organisations and youths for their roles in advancing education, particularly youth-led initiatives such as the Youth-led Education Lab.

Mr Farah urged stakeholders to renew their commitment to ensuring that every child in the North-West and across Nigeria, including those in rural communities, had the opportunity to learn, grow and succeed.