27/05/2026
Today, as we celebrate Children’s Day in Nigeria, we must also reflect on the realities facing millions of Nigerian children.
Over 18.3 million children are currently out of school, with about 66% concentrated in the North-West and North-East regions. Nearly 40% of children under five are stunted due to chronic malnutrition and prolonged nutritional deprivation.
Insecurity continues to threaten education, with repeated school attacks, abductions, and forced school closures creating fear and uncertainty for many children. According to UNICEF, one in three Nigerian girls is married before the age of 18, while child mortality remains alarming, with many children unable to survive beyond their fifth birthday.
These are not just statistics; they are the lived realities of millions of Nigerian children.
As we celebrate today, we call on the government, the international community, development partners, and all stakeholders to take urgent action to protect, educate, and secure the future of every Nigerian child.
Happy Children’s Day to every child in Nigeria. May we build a nation where every child is safe, educated, healthy, and allowed to thrive.