By Gabriel Ani
DUTSE, Nigeria (ChatnewsTV) — The European Union (EU) has unveiled a major new initiative aimed at reintegrating 417,661 out-of-school children in Nigeria’s northwestern region. The program, named the “Accelerating Basic Education and Livelihood Opportunities for Children and Youth in North West Nigeria” (ABEP), was officially launched in Dutse, the capital of Jigawa State, by consortium lead Tobi Ransomed.
Speaking at the launch, Mrs. Ransomed emphasized the urgent need for a coordinated effort to address the region’s education crisis. “The high rate of out-of-school children in the northwest demands a holistic approach from all relevant stakeholders to ensure these children have the chance to realize their potential,” she said.
The three-year pilot project will target twelve local government areas in Kano, Jigawa, and Sokoto states, in collaboration with Save the Children International, PLAN International, and Development Alternatives Incorporated (DAI). The aim is to provide alternative and accelerated education to those who have missed out on formal schooling, with a particular focus on marginalized groups.
According to Save the Children International, Nigeria accounts for 10% of the world’s out-of-school children, with more than 10 million primary school-age children not in school. Additionally, 25% of girls and 10% of boys in the country have been victims of sexual violence, highlighting the urgent need for safe and inclusive educational programs.
“Our goal is to increase access to safe, quality, and inclusive education programs for 324,000 young girls and boys, as well as 32,400 individuals with disabilities,” Ransomed explained. “This will support their transition into formal or non-formal education systems.”
The project also includes a focus on vocational training and job creation. Over 60,000 youths, including 6,000 persons with disabilities, will be offered access to livelihood opportunities, vocational education, and training for green jobs. The initiative aims to have an equitable impact, with 20,000 beneficiaries in each of the participating states.
The program’s broader objective is to empower the region’s poorest and most underserved populations, especially women, girls, and youth, by fostering quality, inclusive, and gender-sensitive education that is also conflict-sensitive. The EU hopes that the program will serve as a model for tackling the education gap in other regions.
“The children in these communities are the future,” Ransomed concluded. “With sustained effort and collaboration, we can provide them with the education and skills they need to transform their lives and contribute positively to society.”
The launch was attended by local government officials, international NGOs, and members of the community, all expressing optimism about the program’s potential to reshape the educational landscape in northwestern Nigeria.
