The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has raised concern over the learning crisis facing children in Nigeria, revealing that only a small number of school-age children can read fluently or solve simple mathematics problems by the age of 14.
Speaking at a two-day media dialogue on digital education, artificial intelligence (AI), and skills development for out-of-school children in Ede, Osun State, the Chief of UNICEF’s Lagos Field Office, Celine Lafoucriere, said millions of Nigerian children are being left behind.
She explained that more than 10 million children are currently out of school, stressing that the figures represent real children whose futures are at risk, not just statistics on paper.
According to her, many of these children are growing up without the knowledge and practical skills needed to secure jobs, support themselves, contribute to their communities, or participate in the modern economy.
Lafoucriere emphasized that digital learning tools and artificial intelligence could help bridge the education gap and create opportunities for disadvantaged children.
She warned that future opportunities will increasingly favour those with digital and AI-related skills.
“The children who understand and can use AI will have more opportunities in the future, while those without such knowledge risk being excluded,” she said, adding that girls remain among the most affected groups when it comes to educational inequality.
The UNICEF official also appealed to journalists to play a greater role in highlighting the importance of digital education and technology-driven learning.
She noted that consistent media coverage can help draw the attention of policymakers, government agencies, and stakeholders to the urgent need for investment in education and digital skills development.
Meanwhile, UNICEF Education Specialist, Harold Kpojime, painted a broader picture of the country’s education challenges.
He disclosed that nearly 20 million children of primary and secondary school age are currently outside the classroom across Nigeria.
According to him, about 10.2 million are of primary school age, while another 8.1 million should be attending junior secondary school.
He further revealed that more than 12 million children have never enrolled in school, while almost six million dropped out before completing their education.
Kpojime said Nigeria accounts for about 15 percent of the global burden of out-of-school children.
He also highlighted other worrying indicators, including limited access to early childhood education and the low number of children progressing to senior secondary school.
According to him, more than half of girls at the basic education level are still not attending school.
He warned that Nigeria’s education problem is becoming more complicated due to poverty, rapid population growth, poor learning outcomes, and growing doubts among families about the value of education in an economy where employment opportunities remain scarce.
Earlier, Osun State Commissioner for Education, represented by Permanent Secretary Murtala Adekunle Jimoh, said education remains one of the most important tools for national development and social progress.
He acknowledged that millions of children continue to miss out on formal education because of poverty, insecurity, cultural barriers, and other social challenges.
He noted that modern technologies, including digital learning platforms and artificial intelligence, offer new ways to reach children who are currently excluded from the education system.
According to him, technology can make learning more accessible, interactive, flexible, and inclusive, while AI can help identify learning gaps, support teachers, and improve educational planning.
He urged governments, development partners, and stakeholders to ensure that children are not left behind as the world moves deeper into the digital age.
“While embracing technology and innovation, we must make sure every child has the opportunity to benefit from the digital revolution,” he said.