The Rising Crisis of Out-of-School Children in Nigeria: A Call to Action for Security and Human Capital Development.

As someone who has spent years working in the field of education in emergencies and advocating for inclusive and quality education, I’ve witnessed firsthand the devastating impact that the growing number of out-of-school children in Nigeria is having—not just on education, but on our collective future. Recent reports show that the number of children who are not in school in Nigeria has risen to 18 million—up from 10 to 12 million just a few years ago. This increase isn’t just a number; it’s a stark reminder that we’re failing to provide a generation with the opportunities they need to succeed, grow, and contribute to society. And the consequences of this failure are wide-ranging, especially when it comes to security and human capital development.

The Security Threat of Out-of-School Children

From my experience working in conflict zones and with vulnerable communities, I can say that one of the greatest threats to national security is the increasing number of young people who are out of school. Education is more than just reading, writing, and arithmetic—it’s a powerful tool for social stability. When children don’t have access to education, they become more vulnerable to exploitation, radicalization, and violence.

In Nigeria, we’ve seen how insurgent groups like Boko Haram and criminal gangs in the northwest have targeted children, especially young boys, offering them a sense of belonging and, often, financial incentives. I’ve spoken with countless families who’ve lost their children to such groups. Parents, too fearful to send their kids to school due to the threat of abduction, live with the daily dread that their children will fall into the hands of those who prey on their vulnerability.

But the problem is not just about the immediate risks of recruitment by violent groups. A generation of children without education becomes a generation trapped in poverty and hopelessness. This lack of education fuels cycles of inequality, which, in turn, weakens social cohesion. When young people aren’t given the tools they need to thrive, it doesn’t just create an individual crisis—it destabilizes entire communities and the country at large.

Human Capital at Risk

In my work with NGOs and international agencies, I’ve often heard about the critical importance of building human capital for national development. Yet, as long as millions of children are denied the right to education, Nigeria’s human capital will remain severely underdeveloped. The reality is that today’s out-of-school children are tomorrow’s unskilled labor force, unable to participate in the global economy in any meaningful way.

Education is the key to unlocking the potential of individuals—and by extension, nations. Without it, Nigeria is putting its own future at risk. Young people need the knowledge and skills to compete in a rapidly changing world, and without quality education, they will struggle to find a place in the job market. The gap between what’s needed in the workforce and what children are learning (or not learning) will only continue to widen, further exacerbating unemployment and inequality.

The gendered aspect of this crisis is also something I’ve seen up close. When girls are denied an education, it’s not just their future that’s at stake—it’s the future of their families and communities. Educated girls are more likely to invest in their own health and well-being, delay early marriage, and contribute to the economy. The impact of keeping girls out of school goes beyond just the individual: it limits the opportunities for sustainable development and undermines gender equality.

Why Are More Children Out of School?

Despite years of effort by NGOs, international agencies, and the Nigerian government, the number of out-of-school children continues to rise. From my time working in communities, here are the main factors that I’ve observed:

1. Insecurity and Conflict: One of the biggest reasons more children are not in school today is insecurity. In the northeast, where Boko Haram continues to wreak havoc, the fear of abductions has kept many children, especially girls, from attending school. In other parts of the country, like the northwest, school buildings are being burned down, and teachers and students are being kidnapped for ransom. As a result, many families make the painful decision to keep their children at home rather than risk their lives. It’s a cruel choice that no parent should have to make.
2. Economic Barriers: Poverty is another major factor. I’ve worked with families in rural areas who simply can’t afford the costs associated with schooling—whether it's paying school fees, buying uniforms, or covering the cost of transportation. Many children are pulled out of school to help with household chores or work to support their families. In agrarian communities, child labor is still seen as an acceptable alternative to schooling, perpetuating cycles of poverty.
3. Cultural and Social Norms: In some parts of Nigeria, traditional and cultural norms continue to prevent girls from attending school. Early marriage is still a reality for many young girls, and the societal expectation that boys should receive an education while girls are kept at home to help with domestic duties is all too common. Even when schools are within reach, the lack of support for girls in education means they are more likely to drop out early.
4. Infrastructure Deficiencies: Another major barrier to education is the lack of basic infrastructure. Many schools, especially in rural areas, are underfunded, overcrowded, and poorly equipped. Children are expected to learn in classrooms with broken furniture, inadequate teaching materials, and no access to clean water or sanitation. This makes it difficult for children to succeed in their studies, and many drop out when the conditions become unbearable.
5. Sit-at-Home Orders in Southeastern Nigeria: The sit-at-home orders imposed by separatist groups like IPOB in the southeastern region have further compounded the crisis. In states like Anambra, Enugu, and Imo, the fear of violence and military crackdowns has forced schools to close, sometimes for weeks at a time. This uncertainty has disrupted the academic year, and many children have simply given up on the idea of school altogether. In communities already struggling with conflict, these disruptions only deepen the sense of instability.

A Call for Urgent Action

The time for action is now. From my experience working on the ground, I know that this crisis can be addressed—but it requires a multi-faceted approach.

1. Strengthen Security: The Nigerian government must prioritize the security of schools, especially in conflict zones. This means not only military intervention but also creating spaces for dialogue and peacebuilding to reduce the threat of violence against children and educators. No child should be afraid to go to school.
2. Invest in Education: There must be a significant increase in investment in education—particularly in rural and underserved areas. Schools need to be adequately resourced, and teachers must be trained to provide quality education in challenging circumstances.
3. Community Engagement: We need to involve communities in the fight for education. Parents, community leaders, and religious institutions must be part of the conversation to ensure that children, especially girls, are kept in school. Changing cultural norms takes time, but it is essential for long-term progress.
4. Support for Families: The economic burden on families must be alleviated. Programs like school feeding, scholarships, and financial support can help make education more accessible to the most vulnerable children. Education shouldn’t be a luxury; it should be a right for all children.
5. Peace in Southeastern Nigeria: The ongoing instability in the southeast must be addressed. We need to foster dialogue, reduce tensions, and restore peace so that children in that region can go back to school without fear.

The rising number of out-of-school children in Nigeria isn’t just a crisis—it’s a national emergency. If we don’t act now, we risk losing an entire generation to insecurity, poverty, and inequality. As someone who has worked in this field for many years, I can tell you that there is no future without education. We owe it to our children—and to our country—to make sure every child has the chance to learn and thrive. The time to act is now.?

Godwin Bamidele?Ogunsanya, MSc International Development, B.Sc./B.Ed. Educational Pyschology and Political Science, NTRCL.?