The European Union (EU) has launched the “Accelerating Basic Education and Livelihood Opportunities for Children and Youth in North West Nigeria” Program (ABEP) aimed at reintegrating 417,661 out-of-school children in northwestern Nigeria. This announcement was made by Tobi Ransomed, consortium lead, during the program’s official launch in Dutse, Jigawa State. ABEP is a three-year pilot program set to be implemented in collaboration with Save the Children International, PLAN, and Development Alternatives Incorporated (DAG) across twelve local government areas in Kano, Jigawa, and Sokoto states.
Highlighting the urgent need for educational interventions, Ransomed noted that northwestern Nigeria has one of the highest rates of out-of-school children, stressing a holistic approach involving all relevant stakeholders. According to Save the Children International, Nigeria accounts for 10% of the world’s out-of-school children, with over 10 million primary school-age children not in school. The program also aims to address the disturbing rate of sexual violence, which affects about 25% of girls and 10% of boys in Nigeria.
The ABEP initiative will provide 324,000 young girls and boys, along with 32,400 persons with disabilities, access to safe, inclusive education programs, facilitating their transition into formal or non-formal education. Additionally, it will support 60,000 youths and 6,000 persons with disabilities with access to vocational training, livelihood opportunities, and green job initiatives. Each participating state will host 20,000 beneficiaries under the program, creating pathways for both educational and economic empowerment.
Ransomed stated that the program aims to empower marginalized and underserved groups, including women, girls, and youth, through quality, gender-sensitive, and conflict-sensitive education. This comprehensive approach seeks to improve education and economic outcomes for disadvantaged communities in Kano, Jigawa, and Sokoto states, ultimately contributing to Nigeria’s overall development and social stability.