One million Nigerian children will likely stay away from school because of the threat of violence after a series of mass kidnappings and attacks targeting students this year, the UN said on Wednesday.
More than 1,000 pupils have been snatched in mass abductions for ransom by criminal gangs in Nigeria's north-west and central states since December with dozens still in captivity.
Some of the state governments have temporarily shut schools after the abductions.
As schools resume this month, the UN children's agency Unicef says many children will be cut off from their education and other vital benefits schools provide.
Unicef said there had been 20 attacks on schools in Nigeria this year and more than 1,400 pupils were taken and 16 had died.
Families and communities remain fearful of sending children back to their classrooms as a result.
It also notes that education has been delayed in Nigeria for many children due to Covid-19 restrictions during 2020.
Latest Stories
-
NDC Mining Committee urges miners to support efforts to unseat NPP
2 mins -
From tee-off to royal dinner: Telecel Ghana 67th Asantehene Open
1 hour -
Training and Equipping Teachers: Nexus for success of new SHS, SHTS and STEM curriculum
1 hour -
Business leaders urged to uphold ethics for sustainable growth
1 hour -
One student per tablet policy: More tablets for Ashanti Region Schools
3 hours -
BOSAG officially unveiled; positioning Ghana as Africa’s premier BPO destination
3 hours -
Gold Fields may sell smaller mines in Ghana after Osisko acquisition
3 hours -
Nigeria plans $28bn spending for 2025 budget, minister says
4 hours -
Africa grapples with forecasting challenge as weather disasters loom
4 hours -
Europe’s flying taxi dreams falter as cash runs short
4 hours -
Al Fayed’s brother Salah also abused us, women say
4 hours -
I blame the Church for my brother’s death, says Zimbabwean sister of UK child abuser’s victim
5 hours -
South Africa cuts supplies to thousands of illegal miners hiding underground
5 hours -
Nigeria head five Afcon 2025 qualifiers as Ghana given hope
5 hours -
Trump’s pledge to axe the Department of Education explained
5 hours