Kano: Mr. Rahama Rihood Mohammed Farah, Chief of UNICEF’s Field Office in Kano, has urged greater youth involvement in shaping an inclusive, relevant, and empowering education system as Nigeria looks toward 2030.
Farah made the call on Tuesday during the commemoration of the 2026 International Day of Education (IDE) in Kano, celebrated across UNICEF-supported states of Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa.
Speaking on the theme “The Power of Youth in Co-Creating Education”, Farah underscored that education is not merely a service but a fundamental right and the cornerstone of peaceful, prosperous societies.
“Education is not just a service; it is a right, a beacon of hope, and the foundation of every strong society,” he said.
Farah stressed that access to quality education is critical to breaking cycles of poverty, restoring dignity, and enabling every child—girl or boy to contribute meaningfully to society.
He emphasized that young people must be at the heart of discussions about the future of education, as their perspectives are vital to building inclusive, safe, and responsive systems to modern realities.
He noted that children and adolescents aspire to classrooms that spark creativity, teachers who inspire learning, and systems that ensure no child is left behind. Education, he added, must extend beyond textbooks to equip learners with life skills, digital literacy, critical thinking, and the confidence to face future challenges.
Despite progress, Farah expressed concern that many children remain out of school, with girls disproportionately affected by cultural, economic, and social barriers. He identified poverty, insecurity, harmful social norms, and limited resources as major obstacles to learning outcomes in the region.
Farah emphasized that the IDE celebration is not only about highlighting challenges but also about reaffirming commitment and collective action.
“At UNICEF, we remain firmly committed to supporting governments and communities in Kano Field Office states to strengthen education systems and ensure every child has access to quality learning,” he said.
He commended government authorities, development partners, teachers, civil society organizations, and youths for their contributions to advancing education—particularly youth-led initiatives such as the Youth-led Education Lab.
Farah concluded by urging all stakeholders to renew their commitment to ensuring that every child in the North-West and across Nigeria, including those in rural communities, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.
