From Timothy Olanrewaju, Maiduguri
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has revealed that 72% of primary school leavers in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states in Northeast Nigeria are unable to read simple texts, despite increased school enrolment.
UNICEF Officer-in-Charge of Maiduguri Field Office, Joseph Senesie, disclosed this during a press conference in Maiduguri, Borno’s capital, on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, to commemorate World Children’s Day.
“Despite improvements in school enrolment, an estimated 2 million children remain out of school in the region. Moreover, 72% of children who complete primary school cannot read simple texts, and only 58% transition to secondary school,” Senesie stated.
He described this year’s World Children’s Day theme, “Tapping the Untapped Treasures,” as apt but emphasised the need for concerted efforts to address challenges affecting children’s rights and well-being in the violence-affected Northeast.
“We must ask ourselves: Are we truly unlocking the potential of our children, our untapped treasures? Are we dismantling barriers to their growth and safeguarding their future?” he asked.
Senesie highlighted other critical issues, noting that only 30% of children in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa have their births registered, denying them legal identity and access to healthcare, education, and protection services.
He affirmed UNICEF’s ongoing work in the three states to address these challenges.