Adamawa Boosts Education Access with Sustainable, Inclusive Learning Models

In a bold move to tackle the out-of-school children crisis, Adamawa State has launched two transformative education initiatives. Backed by UNICEF, these programs—Accelerated Basic Education Programme (ABEP) and Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL)—aim to reintegrate thousands of vulnerable children into the school system.

Empowering Communities Through Sustainable Education

During a recent media dialogue in Yola, the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development revealed the far-reaching impact of these initiatives. According to Godwin Lucky, UNICEF Focal Officer, the state’s education reforms prioritize sustainability and inclusion.

“Adamawa is building a future-ready education system. We’ve established over 21 new schools, renovated 1,775 others, and recruited more than 2,000 teachers,” Lucky stated.

The ABEP program offers a fast-track learning path for older children who have missed years of schooling. On the other hand, TaRL adapts teaching methods to each child’s learning level, not their age or grade.

Read also: UNICEF and Adamawa Govt Train 1,780 Teachers on Social-Emotional Learning

Infrastructure and Data-Driven Solutions

Key infrastructure upgrades include:

• 553 new classroom blocks
• 85,000 student chairs
• 22,000 furniture sets for teachers
• Clean water access through boreholes in 56 schools

To enhance planning, the state now uses annual school censuses and an upgraded Education Management Information System (EMIS). These tools ensure that resources go directly to where they are most needed.

Addressing Ongoing Challenges

Despite these strides, rural and underserved areas still face a high rate of out-of-school children. Lucky emphasized the urgent need for:

• More alternative learning centers
• Advanced teacher training programs
• Stronger community engagement

UNICEF Education Specialist, Abdurrahman Ibrahim Ado, stressed the national scale of the problem. Over 10 million Nigerian children of primary age and 8.1 million at junior secondary level remain out of school. Alarmingly, 70% of those enrolled still lack basic skills.

Closing the Gender Gap Through Philanthropy

Gender disparity is stark in Adamawa. Only 9% of girls complete Junior Secondary School, compared to 25% of boys. Therefore, Ado advocates for gender-sensitive strategies to close this gap.

Support from the Global Partnership for Education’s Accelerated Funding (GPE-AF) currently reaches 160 schools and early childhood centers in the state. The program has trained 670 facilitators to create inclusive and safe learning spaces while also offering financial aid to vulnerable families.

Transforming Lives, One Child at a Time

Shelena Daniels, a learning facilitator, shared how even married and divorced young girls are now returning to class. “They enjoy learning because the environment is welcoming,” she said.

Through ABEP, older students complete a nine-month course that transitions them into adult education. Moreover, local sensitization efforts—led by School-Based Management Committees—are boosting enrollment and reducing youth-related crime.

“Education is changing lives in Adamawa,” said committee leader Alhaji Isa Mohammed. “UNICEF’s support has been instrumental.”

By investing in inclusive education, Adamawa is laying the foundation for a more equitable, sustainable future—one child at a time.