A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Abdulrahman Haske, has raised concern over the challenges limiting student enrollment in the northern part of the country.
Haske, who was a governorship aspirant during the primary election, specifically identified Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states as key areas where millions lack access to education.
According to him, at least 2.8 million children in those states were in need of “education-in-emergencies support, while hundreds of schools remain closed and many classrooms have been damaged or destroyed by conflict and insecurity.”
The politician, who was a guest lecturer at a forum by the Adamawa State government to commemorate International Youth Day 2026, said Nigerian youths had the capacity to drive economic growth, social progress and political transformation provided they were given access to opportunities, skills and leadership platforms.
Speaking on the sub-theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” Haske noted that Nigeria’s youthful population remained one of its greatest assets, but unlocking its potential requires deliberate investment, particularly in regions facing developmental and security challenges.
Highlighting conditions in the Northeast, Haske said conflict, poverty, displacement and limited economic opportunities continue to undermine youth development.
He referenced data from the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, showing that about 2.8 million children across Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States require education-in-emergencies support, while hundreds of schools remain closed and many classrooms have been damaged or destroyed by conflict and insecurity.
Describing the figures as a wake-up call, Haske said the educational crisis extended beyond the classroom and directly affects employability, entrepreneurship, innovation and long-term economic growth.
“For Adamawa, these are not just statistics. These are our communities, our children and our future workforce.
“While significant efforts have been made, we must be honest that more needs to be done to ensure that every young person can learn, grow and contribute meaningfully to society,” he said.
“Young people need more than slogans about empowerment,” he declared.
He also advocated rebuilding damaged learning infrastructure and ensuring uninterrupted access to education as critical components of sustainable development.
On governance, Haske urged greater inclusion of young people in leadership and decision-making processes.
“We cannot afford to lose another generation to poverty, insecurity or lack of opportunity.
“The reality that 2.8 million children across Adamawa, Borno and Yobe still require emergency education support should challenge all of us to act with urgency,” he cautioned.
2.8 million out-of school children in Adamawa, Borno, Yobe require emergency – Haske