Stakeholders in Sokoto State, Kebbi State and Zamfara State have identified early childhood education as a critical strategy to address the alarming figure of 1.9 million out-of-school children across the three states.
The position was reinforced at a two-day Media Dialogue on “Strengthening Early Childhood Education and Access to Quality Education” held in Sokoto.
The event was organised by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) in partnership with UNICEF and funded by the European Union.
Participants at the dialogue warned that without strengthening Early Childhood Development (ECD), efforts to reduce the growing number of out-of-school children in the Northwest may not yield sustainable results.
Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Sokoto, Dr Michael Juma, described early childhood education as a strategic investment capable of transforming the region’s education landscape.
He noted that many children begin primary school without basic literacy, numeracy and social skills due to limited access to structured early learning centres, a gap that often contributes to poor performance and eventual dropout.
According to him, tackling the 1.9 million out-of-school crisis requires building strong foundations in the early years.
In a presentation, UNICEF Nigeria Education Specialist, Francis Elisha, linked high dropout rates to weak early learning foundations. He explained that children who miss structured early education frequently struggle to adapt academically and socially when they enrol in primary school.
State authorities reaffirmed their commitment to reversing the trend.
Executive Chairman of SUBEB, Umar Nagwari Tambuwal, and Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Professor Ahmad Ladan Ala, highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at expanding access to early learning centres and improving foundational education.
They said the administration of Governor Ahmed Aliyu is prioritising early childhood education as part of broader efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children in the state.
The dialogue also featured interactive sessions among journalists, policymakers and development partners, focusing on mobilising political will, increasing investment and strengthening community engagement in early learning.
Stakeholders stressed that beyond enrolment drives, sustained investment in early childhood education remains key to addressing the deep-rooted education crisis in the Northwest.
