Kano Records 875,593 Out-of-School Children – Official

The Kano State Ministry of Education has revealed that 875,593 children are currently out of school across the state’s 44 local government areas.

The figure was contained in the Kano State Out-of-School Children Survey Report 2026, presented by the ministry during an event in Kano attended by government officials, development partners, donor organisations, civil society groups, traditional and community leaders, school administrators and other education stakeholders.

According to the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ali Haruna Abubakar Makoda, the latest figure represents an 11.5 per cent reduction, or 113,641 fewer children, compared with the 989,234 out-of-school children recorded in 2023 UNICEF data.

Makoda described the reduction as encouraging evidence that government interventions and increased investment in education were producing positive results.

However, he stressed that the number of children still outside the formal education system remained a major concern requiring renewed and coordinated efforts.

The commissioner explained that previous figures were largely estimates based on national samples and other sources, while the 2026 figure was obtained through a statewide survey, providing verified data disaggregated by local government area, age and gender.

He said the new data would serve as a reliable baseline for educational planning, policy development, resource allocation and targeted interventions aimed at enrolling and retaining children in school.

Makoda attributed the progress partly to the Kano State Government’s increased investment in education, including the construction and rehabilitation of schools and classrooms, provision of teaching and learning materials, distribution of free uniforms and enrolment campaigns.

He also highlighted improved education data-management systems and continued collaboration with UNICEF and other development partners as key components of the state’s efforts.

Despite the progress, the commissioner said the 875,593 children still out of school showed that much more needed to be done.

He called on parents, traditional and religious leaders, communities, development partners and civil society organisations to intensify efforts to ensure that children are enrolled and remain in school.

Makoda reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to using accurate data and evidence to strengthen educational planning, monitoring and resource allocation across Kano State.