Stakeholders urge youth-led education reforms in Yobe
Stakeholders in Yobe have called for stronger youth participation in education policy and programming to advance inclusive and quality learning, in line with the 2026 International Day of Education theme.
The International Day of Education 2026 is themed “The Power of Youth in Co-Creating Education.”
Mr Iliya Joseph, Co-Lead, Education Emergency Working Group, Save the Children International, said the celebration aimed to promote equitable education, amplify youth voices and mobilise stakeholders toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4.
Joseph said the event also sought to strengthen community engagement in crisis-affected areas of North-East Nigeria and highlight youth leadership, innovation and peacebuilding through education.
He urged government institutions, communities, civil society organisations and partners to ensure that outcomes of the discussions inform policies and development programmes in the state.
“With the diverse stakeholders present, we expect that the policies we develop and the discussions we hold today will be integrated into state programmes to enhance youth involvement in education,” he said.
Mr Farooq Chiromari, State Coordinator and Focal Person, Diagnosis, Recovery and Stability Programme, said the event provided an opportunity to review the education situation in Yobe.
Chiromari said government, donor agencies and partners were working with traditional institutions to boost enrolment but noted that more than 582,176 children were currently out of school in the state.
He called for collective action to drastically reduce the number, describing the situation as a major social and security concern.
Also speaking, Mr Abdu Haladu, Director, Schools and Academic Services, Yobe State Universal Basic Education Board, urged children and youths to remain in school and complete their education.
Haladu said the state government was committed to partnering with organisations, including Save the Children and members of the Education Emergency Working Group, to strengthen the education sector.
He expressed optimism that sustained collaboration would help Yobe achieve its education development objectives.
