UNICEF is worried about children in the North-East of Nigeria. They say that 72% of pupils who finish primary school in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States cannot read simple text.
Joseph Senesie, the Head of UNICEF’s Maiduguri office, told reporters this is a serious problem. He said millions of children in the region do not have their fundamental rights.
He stated that approximately two million children in the area are not attending school. Also, in 12 local government areas of Borno and Yobe, many children remain unvaccinated. This makes them more likely to get diseases that could be prevented.
Senesie said children in this conflict-affected part of Nigeria are very neglected, but are also very important for the future.
He added that only 3 out of 10 children in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa have their births officially registered. Without this, children cannot access essential services, including healthcare, education, and social support.
Despite these problems, Senesie praised the state governments for some progress. He stated that the Child Protection Law has been implemented, and five local government areas have been declared free of open defecation. Borno State also gave 100 million naira to support child nutrition. Furthermore, 27 local government committees on food and nutrition have begun their work.
He called these steps good, as they demonstrate strong leadership.
Senesie asked government leaders, groups, and helpers to work harder to improve nutrition, vaccinations, child protection, sanitation, and education.
He said UNICEF is committed to helping. In 2024, nearly 600,000 children in the North-East were treated for severe malnutrition. About 2.48 million children under five got vitamin A, and 1.2 million were vaccinated with the pentavalent vaccine.
Senesie promised that UNICEF would continue to speak up for every child and work with the government and others to help children in the region not just survive but grow up healthy and reach their full potential.
Leave feedback about this