Millions of Nigerian Children Still Denied Access to Education — Child Rights

By Prosper Okoye

As the world marks International Education Day, a child‑focused advocacy group has sounded the alarm over the persistent education crisis in Nigeria, where millions of children remain out of school despite global and domestic pledges to improve access to learning.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Saffron Social Development Global Foundation highlighted that large numbers of children particularly those from poor, displaced or otherwise vulnerable backgrounds are still unable to access safe, inclusive and supportive education across the country.

“Education remains the most powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty and exclusion, yet for millions of Nigerian children it remains out of reach,” said

Opeyemi Ebulu‑Eyuruntari, the organisation’s Global Director.
Latest estimates indicate a staggering number of Nigerian children are out of school.

According to figures referenced by international agencies, approximately 18.3 million Nigerian children do not currently attend school one of the highest totals in the world with girls disproportionately affected.

The foundation pointed to a host of entrenched obstacles that keep children out of classrooms, including poverty, displacement, child labour, discrimination and unsafe learning environments, which not only prevent enrolment but also undermine school attendance and retention.

“Too many learning environments are neither protective nor nurturing,” the statement said, urging that schools must offer more than academics they must be spaces where children feel safe, supported and empowered.

The organisation called on all tiers of government to strengthen child‑protection policies, expand access to inclusive education in underserved areas and ensure schools adopt child‑friendly, non‑discriminatory practices.

Parents and communities were also urged to prioritise education for their children and to protect them from exploitation that can keep them out of school.

Nigeria’s Country Director for the foundation, Chief ‘Aare’ Oluwasegun Oyedijo, reiterated that safeguarding children remains central to their mission. “Through advocacy, community engagement and partnerships, we continue to work towards a future where every child, regardless of background, has access to quality education in a safe and supportive environment,” he said.

Education experts and development agencies have long warned that Nigeria’s education system is under strain from multiple fronts, including chronic under‑funding, insecurity and weak infrastructure, which exacerbate barriers to schooling and contribute to the high numbers of out‑of‑school children.

As International Education Day spotlights the global challenges in education, child rights advocates in Nigeria called for renewed investment and concerted action to address the crisis arguing that protecting the right to education is essential not just for individual children, but for the country’s future prosperity.

“Education that safeguards and empowers today builds a stronger, more inclusive Nigeria tomorrow,” the foundation said.