The European Union (EU) and UNICEF have unveiled a new initiative aimed at enrolling 500,000 out-of-school children in the Northwest region of Nigeria.
The announcement was made by Ms. Samuela Isopi, the Ambassador of the EU delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, following a meeting with Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State to discuss the intervention process of the programme.
The programme, titled “Education and Youth Empowerment in the North-West Nigeria,” is a collaborative effort between the EU and UNICEF, with a focus on reducing the number of out-of-school children in the state. Ms. Isopi emphasised the EU’s commitment to supporting education in Sokoto State and acknowledged the joint efforts of the federal and state governments in addressing the challenges faced by the region.
With a budget of 40 million euros, the programme targets three states in the Northwest region: Sokoto, Kano, and Jigawa. Special attention will be given to girls’ education, as they are identified as the most vulnerable group in society. The initiative aims to support the education system, teachers, communities, and families to create a conducive environment for children to access quality education.
Governor Aliyu expressed gratitude for the EU’s timely intervention, highlighting the importance of education in the state’s development agenda. He outlined ongoing efforts to improve school infrastructure and address security challenges posed by banditry, including the establishment of the Northwest Community Guard Corps.
The collaboration between the EU, UNICEF, and the government of Sokoto State underscores a collective commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and empowering youth in the Northwest region of Nigeria.
