Abuja – The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
said that there were 25 attacks on schools in which 1,440 children were abducted, and 16 children killed in Nigeria in 2021.
The UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Peter Hawkins , disclosed this in a message on Monday in Abuja.
Hawkins in the message to celebrate this year’s International Day of Education said in March 2021 alone, no fewer than 618 schools were closed in six northern states of Sokoto, Zamfara, Kano, Katsina, Niger, and Yobe over the fear of attack and abduction of pupils and members of staff.
” The closure of schools in these states significantly contributed to learning losses for over two months,” he said.
Hawkins, however, said that Nigeria’s education system can be transformed through adequate funding to ensure schools are safe; the application of gender-responsive policies, including recruitment of female teachers and improved facilities for girls.
He also listed measures to improve the system to include the creation of multiple and flexible learning pathways for students, such as digital and transferable skills learning; the integration of foundational numeracy and literacy in Qur’anic schools; and teacher training in the latest methodologies.
“All Nigerian children deserve a fighting chance – no matter who they are or where they are.
” And this must include an education. It is not only their right – it is the smartest and best way to secure the future of Nigeria as a whole,” he said. (vitalnews)
