The Kano State Ministry of Education has revealed that 875,593 children are currently out of school across the state’s 44 local government areas.

The figure was contained in the Kano State Out-of-School Children Survey Report 2026, presented during a stakeholder meeting in Kano.

According to the Commissioner for Education, Ali Haruna Abubakar Makoda, the new figure represents a reduction of 113,641 children, or 11.5 per cent, compared with the 989,234 out-of-school children recorded in 2023 UNICEF data.

Makoda described the reduction as encouraging evidence that government interventions and investments in education were producing results. However, he stressed that the number of children still outside the formal education system remained a major concern requiring stronger and coordinated action.

The commissioner explained that the 2026 figure was based on a statewide survey, unlike previous figures that were largely estimates derived from national samples and other sources. The new survey provides data disaggregated by local government area, age and gender.

He said the information would provide a more reliable basis for educational planning, policy formulation, resource allocation and targeted interventions aimed at enrolling and retaining children in school.

Makoda attributed some of the progress to increased investment in education by the Kano State Government, including the construction and rehabilitation of schools and classrooms, provision of learning materials, free uniforms and enrolment campaigns. Collaboration with UNICEF and other development partners was also highlighted.

Despite the reduction, the commissioner said the 875,593 remaining out-of-school children showed that considerably more work was required.

He called on parents, traditional and religious leaders, communities, development partners and civil society organisations to support government efforts by encouraging families to enrol their children and ensure they remain in school.