Nigeria, UNESCO-IICBA And Japan Launch Education Initiative For Out-of-School Children

by HEDNEWS on June 4, 2026

Nigeria, UNESCO-IICBA and Japan Launch Education Initiative for Out-of-School Children The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization International Institute for Capacity Building in Africa UNESCO-IICBA and the Government of Japan, has launched a new education initiative aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school children and expanding access to quality learning opportunities across the country. The programme is designed to strengthen foundational education systems, support teacher capacity development, and provide alternative learning pathways for children who are currently outside the formal school system.

Officials said the initiative targets vulnerable and underserved communities, particularly in regions with high rates of school dropouts due to poverty, insecurity, and limited infrastructure.

Expanding access to basic education for out-of-school children
Training and retraining teachers for inclusive learning delivery
Strengthening community-based education programmes
Supporting digital and blended learning solutions
Improving education infrastructure in underserved areas

The collaboration brings together Nigeria’s education authorities, UNESCO-IICBA’s technical expertise, and Japan’s development support to address long-standing challenges in the education sector. Japan is expected to provide technical assistance and funding support for education infrastructure and capacity-building programmes, while UNESCO-IICBA will coordinate training frameworks and policy guidance across participating institutions. Nigeria continues to face one of the highest numbers of out-of-school children globally, driven by factors such as economic hardship, insecurity in some regions, cultural barriers, and limited school access. Officials said the initiative is part of broader reforms aimed at ensuring equitable access to education and improving literacy levels nationwide. The programme aligns with Nigeria’s education reform agenda under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes human capital development, youth empowerment, and long-term economic growth through improved education outcomes.

Government representatives said investing in education remains critical to national stability, productivity, and future competitivenes

Reduce the number of out-of-school children nationwide
Improve literacy and numeracy outcomes
Strengthen teacher effectiveness
Promote social inclusion and reduce inequality
Build a stronger foundation for national development
Nigeria, UNESCO-IICBA, and Japan launch joint initiative for out-of-school children.
Focus includes access to education, teacher training, and infrastructure development.
Programme targets vulnerable and underserved communities.
Japan provides support; UNESCO-IICBA offers technical coordination.
Initiative aligns with Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda.