EU and UNICEF Launch Groundbreaking Education Empowerment Initiative for 1.5 Million Children in Northwestern Nigeria

Abuja, Nigeria, 18 March 2024 - Over 1.5 million children will directly benefit from a joint education initiative by the European Union and the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) targeting girls and other vulnerable children in Jigawa, Kano and Sokoto states. The ‘Education and Youth Empowerment in Northwestern Nigeria,’ programme will support the efforts of governments in the three states in increasing access to inclusive quality basic education in underserved, nomadic communities of the benefiting states. Under the programme, which was flagged off at the Government House in Sokoto, 30 per cent of existing teachers in the states will be trained or retrained.  

The European Union has earmarked €40 million through its Neighbourhood Development and International Cooperation Instrument for the project, to be implemented across the three states. The EU and the Federal Government signed the Financing Agreement for the project in March 2023.  

Designed within this framework, the Education and Youth Empowerment in Northwestern Nigeria programme is part of the European Union’s human development priorities designed to contribute to education and research through enhanced access to modern, inclusive education by investing in quality learning experience and training for youths.

The programme is targeted at:  

• Strengthening the education sector planning and policy implementation to improve education service delivery.
• Increasing access to inclusive and safe learning environments and improving the quality of teaching and learning for all girls and boys; and
• Providing vocational education as well as critical social life skills to the youth.

The EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms Samuela Isopi, said: "When marginalized, underserved and vulnerable children are impacted through improved enrolment, class attendance, retention and transition to higher levels of basic and vocational education and skills acquisition, optimised future socio-economic outcomes are guaranteed, reducing the income inequalities and assuring better livelihoods for all."

Welcoming the initiative, UNICEF's Country Representative, Ms Cristian Munduate said: " The 'Education and Youth Empowerment' programme is not just an intervention; it is a testament to what we can achieve when we unite for the cause of children. By targeting 1.5 million children, including girls and vulnerable children in Jigawa, Kano, and Sokoto states, this initiative promises to transform lives by guaranteeing their right to education. We are not only enhancing educational opportunities but also fostering an environment where every child can dream, achieve, and contribute to their community's development. Our collaboration with the European Union, supported by a generous €40 million investment, embodies our shared commitment to nurturing young minds and empowering the youth, who are the cornerstone of sustainable development.

The United Nations’ Children Education Fund (UNICEF) and the Development Impact Evaluation Department (DIME) – a research arm of the World Bank- are among the proven international organisations for the implementation of the programme. UNICEF is focusing on supporting sector plans implementation, budget monitoring and tracking for efficiency in budgeting and financing, and in early childhood education as well as on increasing access to learning. DIME will implement EdTech approaches and impact evaluation to enhance education access and quality teaching and continuous learning, while others yet to be nominated will aim at the scaling up the national accelerated basic education programme and the provision of livelihood opportunities for the youths.