The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has renewed its partnership with media practitioners in Kaduna to tackle the growing issue of out-of-school children in northern Nigeria. The collaboration also aims to address other challenges affecting children’s welfare and development in the region and the country at large.
Speaking during a one-day meeting in Zaria, Kaduna State, UNICEF’s Communication for Advocacy and Partnerships (CAP) Specialist, Susan Akila, who represented the Country Director, highlighted the critical role of the media in achieving UNICEF’s objectives.
“UNICEF has always valued its partnership with the media. This event is part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen this collaboration to ensure a brighter future for our children and women by 2050,” Akila said.
She emphasized UNICEF’s commitment to upholding children’s rights, including their rights to education, health, self-expression, and a better future.
### **Addressing Education and Health Challenges**
Ibrahim Mohammed, a Social and Behavioural Change Specialist from UNICEF’s Kaduna Field Office, underscored the importance of education as a foundation for sustainable national growth.
“Our goal is to ensure that every Nigerian child is enrolled in school and retained, thereby reducing the number of out-of-school children and securing the country’s future,” Mohammed stated.
He also called on stakeholders to focus on other critical issues, including immunization, open defecation, and birth registration, while addressing malnutrition challenges like stunting among children.
### **Collaborative Efforts with Stakeholders**
UNICEF reiterated its commitment to partnering with the Nigerian government to address funding gaps in education and health while advocating for greater investment in these sectors.
Salisu Lawal, the Director of Planning at the Kaduna State Ministry of Education, acknowledged the progress made in reducing out-of-school children but admitted that challenges such as poverty and school dropouts persist.
Meanwhile, Alhaji Hamisu Abubakar, the Director of the National Orientation Agency in Kaduna State, urged the media to continue championing initiatives that protect children’s rights and promote education.
### **Focus on Sustainable Development Goals**
The meeting is part of UNICEF’s efforts to support the Nigerian government in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4, which seeks to ensure inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all.
A key highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between UNICEF and the Kaduna State Media Corporation to strengthen collaboration in addressing child-related challenges.
UNICEF emphasized that reducing the number of out-of-school children remains central to its next country programme, with plans to scale up advocacy and technical support to ensure every child has access to quality education.
