Musa was once among the millions of children in Nigeria who had no access to formal education. Despite being eager to learn, poverty and other systemic challenges kept him out of school for four years.
His life took a turn when a Save the Children outreach team arrived in his community in Sabon Gari, Kaduna State. They were identifying children for an accelerated learning initiative under the Reaching Out-of-School Children program—an effort led by the Kaduna State Ministry of Education with support from global partners like GPE and the Islamic Development Bank.
The program is designed to help children who missed out on schooling regain lost learning and reintegrate into the education system.
After enrolling, Musa didn’t just focus on his own studies—he became a voice for change. He encouraged 11 other out-of-school children in his area to join the program, embodying its mission to expand access, improve learning quality, and involve communities in education.
Understanding the Challenges
Kaduna State faces a serious education gap. A 2020 survey revealed that nearly one in three primary school-aged children were not attending school.
Several factors contribute to this:
- Economic hardship, pushing families to prioritize income over education
- Preference for non-formal religious education, limiting access to structured schooling
- Limited infrastructure and resources, making it difficult to deliver inclusive, high-quality education
To address these issues, the state—supported by international partners—is working to improve access, boost enrollment, and ensure children complete their primary education. Special attention is given to girls, adolescents, and children with disabilities.
Efforts have also focused on better planning and data collection. Community mapping across nine regions identified over 41,000 out-of-school children, while a comprehensive school census has improved the accuracy of education data for policy decisions.
Real Stories, Real Impact
Sani’s Journey
At 17, Sani had spent nearly a decade studying only within a Qur’anic education system. Through the program, he joined flexible accelerated classes that fit his routine.
In just six months, he developed basic literacy and numeracy skills—learning the alphabet, reading simple sentences, and actively participating in class.
“I want to become a lawyer so I can stand up for others,” he says, reflecting his renewed sense of purpose.
Aisha’s Confidence Restored
For 14-year-old Aisha, a lack of menstrual hygiene products made attending school difficult and embarrassing. She often missed classes and felt isolated.
That changed when she received a hygiene kit through the program, which included reusable and disposable sanitary products, soap, clothing essentials, and other supplies.
“I used to feel anxious during my period,” Aisha shares. “Now I feel confident and happy.”
She is one of more than 900 girls who have benefited from this support, enabling them to attend school regularly and focus on their studies.
Garba’s Advocacy for Inclusion
Garba Abdu Babawo, an educator and disability inclusion advocate, plays a key role in ensuring no child is left behind. Living with mobility challenges himself, he understands the barriers faced by children with disabilities.
Through the program, he helps identify and enroll such children in learning initiatives. He also travels across communities to raise awareness, engage families, and mentor teachers.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to learn,” he emphasizes.
His efforts are helping shift perceptions and build a more inclusive education system.
Building a Brighter Future
Despite financial constraints, innovative funding and strong partnerships are helping Kaduna State scale its efforts. By focusing on inclusion, community engagement, and flexible learning models, the program is bringing thousands of children back into classrooms.
Musa’s story—and those of many others—highlight what’s possible when barriers are addressed and opportunities are created. With continued support, Kaduna State is moving closer to ensuring that every child has the chance to learn, grow, and succeed.
