The Bauchi State government, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has initiated the mapping of out-of-school children to determine the actual number of children not attending school. This effort comes as the State reportedly has approximately 1.2 million children who are not in school.

According to a statement by the Officer in Charge of UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, Adams Clement, the mapping aims to provide an accurate count of out-of-school children for effective planning. The comprehensive household survey for out-of-school children is part of the state’s strategic plans to reduce the number and rate of out-of-school children.

UNICEF Education Officer, Bauchi field office, Raphael Adedipe, revealed that 325 enumerators and 40 supervisors have been trained and deployed across all 20 local government areas of the state. The enumeration's main objective is to identify the actual number of school-age children not attending school and understand the reasons behind their non-attendance to develop strategies for their return to school.

Halima Umar, a SUBEB officer and UNICEF focal person, expressed the state's desire to verify reports that Bauchi has the highest number of out-of-school children in the country. She emphasized the importance of determining the actual number of children not in school to address this issue effectively.

Governor Bala Mohammed had previously inaugurated an education committee to champion the enrollment of children, resulting in the return of over 18,000 children to classrooms. During a visit to Bambiyo community in Giade Local Council, parents cooperated with enumerators for the mapping of their children.

One of the enumerators, Aisha Abubakar, highlighted that economic hardship was a major reason cited by parents for not allowing their children to attend school. She noted that parents were willing to enroll their children in school but faced economic challenges.

Adamu Abdullahi, a parent in the community, explained that due to economic hardship, he alternated his children between school and farm work to ensure they all received an education and contributed to the family's well-being.

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