Save the Children rallies stakeholders for youth-led education reforms in Yobe
By Ahmed Isah
Save the Children International on Friday urged stronger youth participation in education planning as stakeholders gathered in Yobe to mark the International Day of Education 2026.
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 event promoted inclusive, equitable and quality education, while amplifying youth voices in shaping education policies and systems.
Joseph said the celebration sought to mobilise government institutions, communities, civil society organisations and development partners toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4.
He said it also aimed to strengthen community engagement in crisis-affected areas of North-East Nigeria and highlight youth leadership, innovation and peacebuilding through education.
According to him, the event featured panelists drawn from civil society organisations, youth groups, parents’ representatives and development partners to ensure broad-based perspectives.
“With the diverse categories of stakeholders present, we hope the policies and discussions from this platform will be integrated into state programmes to enhance youth involvement in education development,” Joseph 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 the Yobe State Government, donor agencies and partners were working with traditional institutions to increase enrolment, retention and completion rates in schools.
He said available statistics indicated that more than 582,176 children were currently out of school in the state, describing the figure as a social and security concern.
He called for collective action among stakeholders to reduce the number to the barest minimum.
Also speaking, Mr Abdu Haladu, Director, Schools and Academic Services, Yobe State Universal Basic Education Board, urged children and youths to attend school and complete their education.
Haladu said the state government was satisfied with its partnership with Save the Children and other organisations within the Education Emergency Working Group.
He said sustained collaboration with partners would accelerate progress toward achieving Yobe’s education development objectives.
