Six in ten Nigerian children face violence as federal government faces calls to boost protection and education funding

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has raised alarm over worsening rates of malnutrition and declining school attendance among children in Nigeria, as the country joined others to mark the Day of the African Child on Sunday in Abuja. The agency warned that urgent intervention is needed, with about 10.5 million Nigerian children out of school and an estimated two million suffering from severe acute malnutrition.

According to UNICEF, Nigeria now ranks as one of the countries with the highest number of stunted children globally, with 32 percent of those under five years facing chronic malnutrition. These health challenges are worsened by rising food prices and poverty, especially in rural communities across states like Kano, Jigawa, Katsina (North-West), and Borno (North-East), where insecurity further restricts access to both food and schools.

Despite official policy guaranteeing free primary education nationwide, millions remain excluded due to child labour, early marriage, inadequate school infrastructure, and conflict-related disruptions. “One in every five out-of-school children worldwide is Nigerian,” UNICEF stated on Sunday. Attacks on schools and student abductions have forced many parents to keep their wards at home, particularly in northern states.

The agency also highlighted a disturbing trend of violence against minors: six out of every ten Nigerian children experience some form of physical, emotional or sexual abuse before age 18. One in four girls and one in ten boys have faced sexual violence before adulthood; however, only a small fraction receive any professional help after such incidents. “Our children deserve safety at home, at school and within their communities,” UNICEF added.

Federal authorities say they are working with state governments to scale up feeding programmes and strengthen security around learning centres. However, experts warn that without increased budgetary allocation for child welfare and stronger enforcement of child protection laws, Nigeria risks failing its next generation. Advocacy groups continue to call for coordinated action from all stakeholders as the country reflects on the sacrifices made by young people during the Soweto Uprising – the historical event commemorated each year on June 16.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/day-of-the-african-child-the-major-issues-confronting-children-in-nigeria-2026061613242038312