President Kashim Shettima has disclosed that more than eight million children in Nigeria’s North-West are currently out of school, warning that the situation reflects the depth of multidimensional poverty in the region.
He made the statement on Wednesday in a speech delivered on his behalf by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, at the North-West Policy Dialogue held in Kano.
The event focused on reducing multidimensional poverty through innovative financing and an expanded social protection system.
Shettima noted that the North-West remains central to Nigeria’s development due to its large population, economic potential, and youthful workforce, but continues to struggle with major deficits in education, healthcare, nutrition, and income security.
He said, “The burden is grave, we inherited deprivations across health, education, nutrition and income security; over eight million children are out of school; maternal mortality remains frighteningly high; under-five mortality is painful; and child stunting affects more than half of our children in some communities,” he said.
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The Vice President stressed that poverty should not be assessed only by income levels, but also by access to basic needs such as education, healthcare, food, and opportunity.
He stated, “Poverty is the child who cannot read at ten, the mother who approaches childbirth with fear, the household unsure of tomorrow’s food, and the young mind outside the classroom while the world races towards artificial intelligence and a knowledge economy,” he stated.
Shettima reiterated the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to expanding social protection initiatives designed to support vulnerable families and reduce the impact of poverty, insecurity, and economic hardship.
He also proposed the introduction of a Universal Child Benefit scheme, saying it would help improve child nutrition, boost school enrolment, and reduce cases of child labour and early marriage.
He added, “The child is the most honest measure of any society. When a child is hungry, the future is hungry; when a child is out of school, the nation is out of position,” he added.
Shettima further urged governors, policymakers, development partners, and other stakeholders to move beyond discussions and focus on implementing practical solutions that will improve the welfare of children and vulnerable households across the North-West.