Out of school: UNICEF enroll 384,545 Adamawa children in 2024

The United Nations Children Population Funds (UNICEF) says it enrolled no fewer than 384,545 children, among which 190,557 are girls, in its 2024 Enrolment Drive and Back to School campaign in Adamawa.

Mr Raphael Ayedigba, UNICEF Education Officer, Bauchi field office, disclosed this at the 2024 programme review and 2025-2027 work plan consultation in Yola on Thursday.

He said that these were among key achievements in 2024 recorded in the state.

According to him, retention, transition and completion (RTC) models have been instituted in 100 schools across 21 Local Government Areas.

“Also, 352,422 learners received one per child learning materials and school bag.

“Also, 1,050 Corps Members participated in Digital Learning, 134 schools developed safe school plans and 537 teachers trained on safe school standards,” he said.

Mrs Philomena Irene, UNICEF Nutrition Specialist, Bauchi field office, said that more than 70 per cent of children in Northeast were living in severe child food poverty in early childhood.

“Children living in severe food poverty miss out on many nutrient-rich foods, while unhealthy foods are becoming entrenched in their diets.

“Severe child food poverty is caused by three main drivers: poor food environments, poor feeding practices and household income poverty

“The Northeast food and nutrition crisis, increasing inequities and conflicts, and the climate crisis are intensifying severe child food poverty”, she said.

She pleaded with state governments to prioritise welfare of children and paid maternity leave for mothers to live comfortably take good care of their children.

She called on council Chairmen to ensure food and nutrition at the grassroots