The European Union (EU) has launched an initiative to reintegrate 417,661 out-of-school children in the northwestern part of Nigeria.

This was disclosed by the consortium lead, Tobi Ransomed, at the official launch of the “Accelerating Basic Education and Livelihood Opportunities for Children and Youth in North West Nigeria” Program (ABEP), held in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital.

She noted that the high rate of out-of-school children in the region requires a holistic approach from all relevant stakeholders to ensure these children reach their potential.

The three-year pilot program (ABEP) will be implemented through Save the Children International, PLAN, and Development Alternatives Incorporated (DAG) across twelve local government areas in Kano, Jigawa, and Sokoto States.

According to data from Save the Children International (SCI), 10% of the world’s out-of-school children are in Nigeria, with over 10 million primary school-age children not in school. Approximately 25% of girls and 10% of boys in the country have been victims of sexual violence.

Mrs Tobi stated that the program aims to increase access to safe, quality, and inclusive alternative and accelerated education programs for 324,000 young girls and boys, as well as 32,400 persons with disabilities, supporting their transition into formal or non-formal education.

She added that the project plans to increase access to livelihood opportunities, vocational education, and green job opportunities for 60,000 youths and 6,000 persons with disabilities, with 20,000 beneficiaries in each participating state.

Tobi noted that the overall objective is to contribute to the empowerment of the poorest, underserved, and most marginalized population groups, including women, girls, and youth, by providing access to quality, inclusive, gender-sensitive, and conflict-sensitive education in northwestern Nigeria (Kano, Jigawa, and Sokoto States).