The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has raised concerns over Nigeria’s learning crisis, revealing that only one in four children who attend school can read proficiently and perform basic mathematics by age 14, a trend it says threatens the country’s future workforce and economic growth.

Speaking through a message delivered at a media dialogue on education in Ede, Osun State, the Chief of UNICEF Lagos Field Office, Celine Lafoucriere, said the challenge goes beyond poor learning outcomes, with millions of children still excluded from education.

“Of all the children in Nigeria who actually go to school, only one in four can read properly and do basic mathematics at age 14. And we are only talking about the children who make it to school. There are 10 million more who never get to school at all,” she said.

According to Lafoucriere, the figures represent millions of children whose future opportunities are being limited by inadequate access to quality education and foundational skills.

She warned that as artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies reshape economies and labour markets, children without education and digital competencies risk being left behind.

“The world is changing fast. Children who can adapt and use emerging technologies will have opportunities. Those who do not will be left behind. Unfortunately, girls remain among the most affected,” she added.

Lafoucriere also challenged journalists to sustain attention on education issues, noting that consistent media coverage can influence policy decisions and drive action.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Osun State Ministry of Education, Muritala Adekunle Jimoh, said millions of children worldwide, including many in Nigeria, remain out of school due to poverty, insecurity, geographical barriers, and sociocultural factors.

He, however, expressed optimism that digital technology and AI could help bridge learning gaps and expand access to education for vulnerable children.

“Digital learning platforms are transforming the way knowledge is delivered, making education more accessible, flexible and inclusive. When responsibly deployed, artificial intelligence can personalise learning, identify gaps, support teachers and improve educational planning,” he said.

Describing education as a powerful tool for social transformation and economic growth, Jimoh urged stakeholders to strengthen efforts to ensure every child has access to quality learning opportunities.

Also speaking, UNICEF Education Specialist Harold Kpojime described Nigeria’s out-of-school children crisis as one of the worst globally, disclosing that about 20 million school-age children are currently outside the formal education system.

“Nigeria has one of the highest numbers of out-of-school children in the world. Nearly one in every three school-age children is not in the classroom,” he said.

Kpojime noted that school completion rates decline significantly as children progress through the education system, with poverty, cultural practices and other socio-economic factors driving dropouts.

He also highlighted concerns over youth unemployment and the growing digital skills gap, revealing that more than 70 per cent of Nigerian youths are unemployed or lack the skills required for available jobs.

To tackle the challenge, he said UNICEF and its partners are deploying digital learning platforms such as the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP) and YOMA, which provide curriculum-based learning and entrepreneurship skills.

According to him, the Nigeria Learning Passport was launched in 24 states and currently serves more than 2.34 million users. He added that support from partners, including IHS Towers, Airtel, Sony and Tecno, has enabled teacher training, internet connectivity for over 2,300 schools and the distribution of about 14,700 tablets nationwide.

Despite the progress, Kpojime stressed that access to digital devices remains inadequate, calling for greater support from governments, the private sector and development partners to scale up interventions.

Participants at the dialogue agreed that stronger collaboration among governments, development agencies, private sector stakeholders and the media would be crucial to harnessing digital technology and artificial intelligence to reduce the number of out-of-school children and prepare Nigerian youths for the future workforce.

Other partners involved in the initiative include the Federal Ministry of Education, the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education (NCAOOSCE), State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs), the World Bank, Education Cannot Wait (ECW), and the Global Partnership for Education (GPE). (TRIBUNE)