- UNICEF says only one in four Nigerian children in school can read properly and perform basic mathematics by age 14, highlighting a deepening learning crisis.
- The agency also warned that millions of out-of-school children risk being left behind in the digital age without urgent investment in education and skills development.
Nigeria’s education crisis has taken a worrying turn, with the United Nations Children’s Fund revealing that only one in four children attending school can read properly and perform basic mathematics by the age of 14.
The alarming statistic was disclosed by UNICEF’s Chief of Lagos Field Office, Celine Lafoucriere, during a media dialogue on Digital Learning, Artificial Intelligence and Skills Development for Out-of-School Children held in Ede, Osun State.
“I want to start with one number one in four. Of all the children in Nigeria who actually go to school, only one in four can read properly and do basic math at age 14,” she said.
Lafoucriere warned that millions of children remain outside the education system, placing them at a major disadvantage in an increasingly digital and technology-driven world.
“These are not numbers in government reports. These are real children growing up without the skills they need to survive, get jobs, support families or contribute to the economy,” she added.
She further cautioned that the rapid growth of artificial intelligence and digital technology could widen existing inequalities if urgent investments are not made in education and digital skills development.
“The children who know how to use this technology will have a chance. The ones who don’t will be left behind,” she said.
UNICEF Education Specialist, Harold Kpojime, noted that Nigeria has an estimated 20 million out-of-school children, one of the highest figures in the world. He stressed that the challenge extends beyond enrolment, emphasizing the need to ensure children remain in school and complete their education.
Also speaking at the event, Osun State Commissioner for Education, Dipo Eluwole, represented by Permanent Secretary Muritala Jimoh, identified insecurity, poverty and migration as some of the major factors driving the out-of-school crisis.
According to him, government agencies and development partners are implementing interventions aimed at improving access to quality education across the country.
