General

Students Advocate for Action to Address Nigeria’s Out-of-School Children Crisis

Kaduna: Some graduates have called for collective action for out-of-school children’s education in Nigeria. They made the call at the Kadwel International Schools, Kaduna, during the third Graduation and Presentation of Awards in celebration of the 2025 set tagged ‘The Class of Truth’ in Kaduna.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) recently revealed that about 18.3 million children are currently out-of-school in Nigeria. The North accounts for the highest number due to poverty, insecurity, conflicts, and socio-cultural norms, among others.

The Head Boy of the 2025 set, Mr. Sudais Bashir, emphasized that education is a fundamental right for every child and crucial for a better future, yet millions remain out-of-school. He urged the government to provide free, quality education, build more schools, and support families in need. Bashir also expressed gratitude to Kadwel Schools for their academic and moral guidance and acknowledged the dedication of the staff.

The Head Girl, Miss Sarah Madu, highlighted that every Nigerian child deserves the opportunity to excel through schooling. She called on the government to leverage new technology to make education accessible to all children, appreciating her school and parents for their support.

Miss Perida Darby stressed the urgent need for action to address the lack of educational access for millions of children. She called for increased education budgets and the implementation of the Child’s Rights Act. Darby also expressed appreciation to Kadwel International Schools Kaduna for nurturing their growth and to her parents for their unwavering support.

Miss Mary-Ashley Okum appealed to the government to create awareness about the dangers of dropping out and provide support for more children to attend school. She expressed a desire for an inclusive educational environment where all students can learn together and contribute to societal improvement.

Miss Hadara Dauda urged the government to prioritize education funding, outreach programs, and community engagement to reintegrate out-of-school children into the education system. She commended the foundation laid by her school and thanked her parents for their blessings and support.

Miss Charis Ibrahim noted that education shields children from violence and other societal challenges. She appealed to the government to upgrade public schools to the standards of private schools, expressing gratitude to her school, parents, and peers for their support.

The principal of the school, Mrs. Princess Ojutawo, praised the students for their resilience and achievements, urging them to continue making empowering decisions that will benefit themselves and others. She expressed pride in the graduates, known as The Class of Truth, and wished them success in their future endeavors.