Kano has 875,593 out-of-school children – Official

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The Kano State Ministry of Education has released the Kano State Out-of-School Children Survey Report 2026, revealing that 875,593 children are currently out of school across the 44 local government areas of the state.

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The figure was contained in a statement by the Director of Public Enlightenment, Ministry of Education, Musbahu Aminu Yakasai, a copy of which was made available to PUNCH Online on Friday.

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According to the statement, the report was disseminated on Wednesday at the COVID-19 Hall of the Ministry of Education, Kano, during an event attended by government officials, development partners, donor organisations, civil society organisations, traditional and community leaders, school administrators and other stakeholders in the education sector.

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The statement read, “Kano State Out-of-School Children Survey Report 2026, reveals a new verified figure of 875,593 out-of-school children across the state.

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“The Commissioner for Education, Kano State, Gwani Dr. Ali Haruna Abubakar Makoda, said the new figure represents a reduction of 113,641 children, equivalent to 11.5 per cent, compared with the 989,234 out-of-school children recorded in the 2023 UNICEF data.”

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The commissioner described the reduction as encouraging evidence that sustained interventions and investments in the education sector were yielding positive results.

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He, however, stressed that the number of children still out of school underscored the need for renewed and coordinated efforts.

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According to Makoda, previous figures were largely estimates derived from national samples and other sources, while the 2026 figure was based on a statewide survey providing verified and disaggregated data by local government area, age and gender.

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He explained that the new data would provide a credible baseline for evidence-based educational planning, policy formulation, resource allocation and the design of targeted interventions to enrol, retain and support children who remain outside the formal education system.

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Makoda noted that the progress recorded so far was supported by the sustained commitment of the Kano State Government under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, particularly through increased investment in education, the expansion, rehabilitation and construction of schools and classrooms, provision of teaching and learning materials, free uniform distribution and enrolment drives.

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He also highlighted the strengthening of education data and information management systems, as well as sustained collaboration with UNICEF and other development partners, as important components of the state’s efforts to address the out-of-school children challenge.

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The commissioner formally presented the OOSC Survey Report 2026, urging stakeholders to use the findings to develop practical and sustainable solutions tailored to the specific needs of communities and local government areas.

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Makoda stated that although the reduction was encouraging, the fact that 875,593 children remained out of school showed that more work needed to be done.

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“With accurate data, sustained investment, strong partnerships and political will, the challenge can be significantly reduced,” the commissioner was quoted as saying.

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He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to strengthening the use of reliable data and evidence in educational planning, monitoring and resource allocation across Kano State.

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“The dissemination of the Kano State OOSC Survey Report 2026 therefore marks a significant step towards strengthening collaboration among stakeholders and accelerating concerted efforts to ensure that every child in Kano State has access to education,” he said.

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He called on parents, traditional and religious leaders, communities, development partners, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to intensify their support for government efforts by encouraging families to enrol and keep their children in school.

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