From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has urged the stakeholders to renew the promises of every child in the Northwest and indeed Nigeria, whether in the city or in rural communities; will have the chance to learn, grow, and succeed.
The call was made by Mr. Rahama Rihood Mohammed Farah, Chief of UNICEF Field Office Kano, at International Day of Education (IDE) 2026 Commemoration in Kano Field Office supported States of Kano, Katsina and Jigawa on Tuesday, 27 January 2026.
“As we celebrate this day, let us renew our shared promise: That every child in the Northwest and indeed Nigeria, whether in the city or in rural communities; will have the chance to learn, grow, and succeed,” Mr Farah said.
He explained that, Education is not just a service, it is a right, a beacon of hope, and the foundation of every strong society, adding that, is thread that weaves together our shared humanity, binding us in dignity and purpose.
According to him, education means an opportunity to break cycles of hardship, it also means dignity to walk with pride as well as future where every child, girl or boy, can dream freely and contribute meaningfully to their community.A future where every voice is heard, and every story is valued.
Mr Farah added that, Without pre-empting what the young people will come out with at the end of their discourse here today,
“I believe that some of the things they would want to see in the Education system will include an education that is relevant, inclusive, safe, and empowering.
“They will want classrooms that inspire creativity, teachers that motivate learning, and systems that catch every child, ensuring no one is left behind.They will want to learn, to grow, to belong.
“Education must go beyond textbooks to provide children and young people with several things. It must equip children with life skills to navigate challenges, digital knowledge to thrive, critical thinking to question and create, and the confidence to shape their own future. It must nurture hearts, minds, and spirits,”he said.
While speaking on challenges, he said ,too many children are still out of school, their minds untapped, their potential unseen. Too many girls face barriers, cultural, economic, and social, that prevent them from completing their education, silencing their voices.
Other challenges are Poverty, insecurity, social norms, and limited resources continue to affect learning outcomes, casting shadows on dreams.
He then assured more commitments from UNICEF, to support Government and people under Kano Field Office States to strengthen education systems, improve learning environments, promote adolescent development, and ensure that every child has access to quality education.
