By Inwalomhe Donald
Nigeria is facing a serious humanitarian and development challenge as insecurity, poverty, food insecurity and disruptions to education continue to affect millions of children, particularly in parts of the North.
In the North-West, North-Central and North-East, insecurity has disrupted agricultural activities, livelihoods and access to essential services. Violent incidents, displacement and economic hardship have made it increasingly difficult for many families to provide adequate food and keep their children in school.
The consequences are particularly severe for children. Available data indicate that millions of children under five across Nigeria suffer from acute malnutrition, with some northern states recording particularly high levels of severe acute malnutrition.
According to the World Food Programme, millions of Nigerians are projected to experience severe food insecurity during the 2026 lean season. Conflict, displacement, rising living costs, climate-related challenges and reduced household purchasing power are among the factors contributing to the worsening food-security situation.
Northern Nigeria remains particularly vulnerable. In areas affected by conflict and displacement, families often face difficulties accessing food, healthcare, clean water and other essential services. Children and pregnant women are among those most vulnerable to the effects of inadequate nutrition.
Malnutrition can have consequences that extend far beyond childhood. Stunting and wasting can affect physical growth, cognitive development and educational outcomes. Children who do not receive adequate nutrition during their formative years may face difficulties in learning and later participation in the workforce.
There is also a strong connection between food insecurity and the number of children who are out of school.
Nigeria has one of the largest out-of-school populations in the world. UNICEF data have previously estimated the number of children outside the formal education system at about 18.3 million, including approximately 10.2 million children of primary-school age and 8.1 million of junior-secondary-school age.
The problem is particularly pronounced in the northern regions, where poverty, insecurity, displacement, inadequate educational infrastructure and other socioeconomic factors continue to limit access to education.
For many vulnerable families, putting food on the table can take priority over sending children to school. Where insecurity causes displacement or disrupts community life, children may also lose access to their schools for extended periods.
The relationship between malnutrition and education therefore deserves greater attention. A hungry child is likely to face greater difficulties concentrating and learning, while a child who remains outside the education system faces increased risks of limited economic opportunities in adulthood.
Nigeria also continues to face a substantial burden of child malnutrition. National estimates have placed the prevalence of stunting among children under five at about 32 per cent, while millions of children are estimated to suffer from severe acute malnutrition and severe food poverty.
The northern states have historically recorded some of the country’s highest levels of both stunting and wasting. Addressing the problem requires sustained investment in nutrition, primary healthcare, water and sanitation, agriculture, social protection and education.
The economic implications are also significant. Poor nutrition and inadequate education can reduce human capital development, affect productivity and place additional pressure on families and public services.
The country’s out-of-school challenge is therefore not simply an education issue. It is closely connected to poverty, nutrition, security, healthcare, infrastructure and economic opportunity.
Insecurity has also affected the continuity of education in several parts of northern Nigeria. Schools have at various times suspended activities because of security concerns, while families have relocated from affected communities. Such disruptions can cause children to fall behind academically and, in some cases, remain outside the education system altogether.
Northern Nigeria faces a particularly serious education challenge, with poverty, insecurity, inadequate facilities and other social and cultural factors contributing to the number of children who are not attending school.
The situation requires urgent and sustained attention from government, development partners, communities and other stakeholders. Investments in education and nutrition should go hand in hand, particularly in communities facing the greatest levels of vulnerability.
There is also a need for stronger support for internally displaced families, improved access to healthcare and nutrition services, safer learning environments, better school infrastructure and programmes that help vulnerable children return to education.
Every child who remains outside school represents a lost opportunity to develop Nigeria’s human capital. Likewise, every child who grows up without adequate nutrition faces avoidable barriers to reaching his or her full potential.
Nigeria’s future depends significantly on the wellbeing, education and skills of its young population. Tackling malnutrition and the out-of-school crisis must therefore remain important components of the country’s national development agenda.
The scale of the challenge calls for coordinated and sustained action, particularly in communities where poverty, insecurity, displacement and limited access to essential services have combined to make life increasingly difficult for children.
Inwalomhe Donald writes via inwalomhe.donald@yahoo.com
