The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has raised concern over the staggering number of out-of-school children in Kano State, revealing that approximately 989,234 children are currently not accessing education.
In response, UNICEF has urged the Kano State government to fully implement the Child Protection Law, enacted in 2023, to address this crisis and safeguard children’s rights.
Speaking on the issue, Samuel Kaalu, Communication Specialist at UNICEF’s Kano Field Office, highlighted that the law is designed to prevent child abuse, neglect, and exploitation, while ensuring access to essential services such as education, healthcare, and protection from harmful practices.
“Kano faces serious challenges. The widespread Almajiri system often deprives children of formal education and healthcare, leaving them vulnerable,” Kaalu said.
He also pointed out the growing concern over child malnutrition, with many children in the state suffering from hunger-related health issues.
Kaalu reiterated UNICEF’s concern, stating that education plays a crucial role in preventing exploitation and abuse of children, and that the current figures demand urgent and sustained action.
72% of pupils in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa can’t read after primary school — UNICEF
In a related development, UNICEF revealed that over 300,000 children in Kano are yet to be immunised against deadly childhood diseases.
This figure represents 55% of the 600,000 unvaccinated children across Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina states.
UNICEF called on the Kano State government to move beyond rhetoric and act decisively.
“The children of Kano deserve more than promises. They deserve the full implementation of a law crafted to protect them and secure their future,” Kaalu concluded.
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