An estimated 875,593 children aged between five and 18 are out of school in Kano State, according to a new survey conducted across the state’s 44 local government areas.
The assessment, conducted in March 2026, found that 13.4 per cent of Kano’s school-age children are outside the formal education system, despite overwhelming parental support for schooling.
The report identified financial constraints as the leading barrier, accounting for about 22.3 per cent of cases, followed by limited access to schools at 17.2 per cent. Other factors include long distances to schools, domestic responsibilities, child labour, early marriage, insecurity and the traditional Almajiri/Tsangaya system.
Interestingly, the survey found that 99.6 per cent of parents consider education important or very important, challenging the perception that cultural resistance is the main reason children remain out of school.
The situation varies significantly across the state. Doguwa LGA recorded the highest rate at 40 per cent, followed by Warawa at 34.69 per cent and Gaya at 33.86 per cent.
The report recommends targeted interventions addressing poverty, school infrastructure, accessibility, safety and other barriers preventing children from enrolling and remaining in school.
THE NATION
