Emirs in Bauchi State have raised alarms regarding a UNICEF report indicating that only nine percent of children aged seven to 14 in the region possess foundational reading skills. Despite policies requiring each primary school to establish functional Early Childhood Centres (ECD), UNICEF revealed that only 448 out of 3,295 public primary schools in the state have such facilities.

Additionally, the report highlighted that only 26 percent of children are on track for early childhood development, with foundational reading skills and numeracy standing at nine percent and eight percent, respectively.

During a community mobilization event at the palace of Emir Dr. Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu, UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office in Bauchi, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, emphasized that multiple obstacles hinder consistent learning, including inadequate policy implementation, budget constraints, and a shortage of qualified teachers. She pointed out that cultural norms and economic pressures further complicate school attendance and completion rates.

In response, the Emir of Dass, Usman Othman, called for enhanced monitoring of the education workforce and infrastructure to address the issues of teacher negligence and insufficient student support. Meanwhile, Emir Dr. Rilwanu Adamu expressed gratitude to UNICEF and the state Universal Basic Education Board for their recognition of traditional institutions in community mobilization efforts and pledged to lead initiatives aimed at increasing school enrolment.