Abuja, July 28, 2025 — The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has rolled out a comprehensive reintegration strategy aimed at bringing at least 10 million out-of-school children in Nigeria back into the formal education system between 2025 and 2028.
The plan, officially unveiled at the UBEC headquarters in Abuja, outlines a robust national framework designed to address one of the country’s most pressing education challenges — the growing population of out-of-school children, which has remained a major setback to Nigeria’s development goals.
According to UBEC Executive Secretary, Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, the multi-tiered initiative includes the expansion of basic education access in underserved communities, establishment of more non-formal learning centers, improved school infrastructure, and targeted community mobilization campaigns across all six geopolitical zones.
Dr. Bobboyi explained that the plan would be implemented in collaboration with state governments, traditional rulers, development partners, and civil society organizations to ensure inclusivity and sustainability.
“This three-year plan is not just a policy — it is a national commitment to end educational exclusion. No Nigerian child should be left behind regardless of their background or location,” Bobboyi declared.
Data from UBEC and UNICEF reveal that Nigeria currently has one of the highest numbers of out-of-school children globally, estimated at over 10 million. The situation is most critical in the northern region, driven by insecurity, poverty, and socio-cultural barriers.
Under the new plan, states with high exclusion rates will receive special intervention funds and technical support to boost enrolment and retention rates. Part of the strategy also involves the recruitment and training of additional teachers, especially for hard-to-reach and crisis-affected areas.
Education stakeholders have welcomed the move as a critical step toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4, which focuses on inclusive and equitable quality education. Many are hopeful that the UBEC reintegration plan, if fully implemented, will significantly reduce the education gap and lay the groundwork for a more literate and skilled Nigerian population.