From Alhaji Yusuf, Damaturu
A development consultant has disclosed that more than 582,176 children remain out of school in Yobe State, citing recent statistics as “alarming and scary.”
Farooq Abdullahi Chiromari, who also serves as the state Coordinator and Focal Personal Diagnosis, Recovery, and Stability Programme revealed the figure during a presentation at the 2026 International Day of Education commemoration in Damaturu.
The event,organized by Save the Children International (SCI), was held under the 2026 theme: “The power of youth in co-creating education for inclusive, quality, and future-ready learning.” It brought together stakeholders from the education sector and development partners.
While acknowledging significant improvement in enrolment due to collaboration between the government, donors, and traditional institutions, Chiromari stressed the urgent need for all stakeholders to work together to reduce this number to the barest minimum.
Earlier, in his welcome remarks, the Executive Chairman of the Yobe State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Umaru Hassan Babayo, said the Yobe State Government is pleased to partner with many organizations, particularly Save the Children and the Education Emergency Group, which are working to advance education in the state.
Represented by the Director of School Services at SUBEB, Abdul Haladu, Babayo stated, “We are happy that the leadership of these organizations is working with the Yobe State Government to ensure our educational mandate is achieved.”
He urged all children and youth in the schools to put in their best effort “They must ensure they attend school regularly, remain in school, and complete the level at which they are enrolled,” Babayo added.
In his address,Mr. Ilya Joseph,the co-lead of the Education Emergency Working Group,Save the Children International in Yobe, outlined the objectives of the global observance, which is marked annually on January 24.
He stated that the day seeks to amplify youth voices in shaping education, promote education for peace, and strengthen collaboration toward Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education).
According to him, key activities included youth-led advocacy dialogues,engagement sessions with policymakers, and widespread media campaigns.