A non-governmental organisation, LA-IRIS Human Development Initiatives, has launched a new platform aimed at reintegrating out-of-school children in northern Nigeria into formal education. The platform was unveiled on Saturday at the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies in Plateau State, with the goal of addressing the rising number of children unable to attend school due to insecurity, poverty, and cultural barriers.
According to UNICEF’s 2025 report, Nigeria accounts for 15 percent of the world’s out-of-school children. The report adds that 7.8 million people in the country require urgent humanitarian assistance, while 3.7 million are internally displaced. These challenges have continued to affect school attendance across several northern communities.
Speaking at the unveiling, the Executive Director of LA-IRIS, Darong Mancha, said the initiative is designed to support vulnerable children with quality education and empowerment opportunities. He explained that the growing number of displaced and disadvantaged children demands immediate action.
“We must acknowledge that these are not just numbers, but empirical reports that require very urgent attention. We are gathered here today for the vision casting of La-Iris Human Development Initiatives to see how we can supplement other existing human efforts… in ameliorating the plight of the vulnerable in society,” he said.
Mancha added that the platform will work closely with communities, government agencies, and other stakeholders to identify out-of-school children and provide education and vocational training. “Between now and September 2026, the organisation intends to raise scholarships and increase the profiling of 500 vulnerable and indigent out-of-school children in the north and other parts of Nigerian society,” he stated.
Delivering a keynote address, renowned cleric Professor Yusuf Turaki—represented by Dr Yakubu Samuel—called on well-meaning individuals and institutions to support education for disadvantaged children. He expressed concern over the growing belief among some young people that schooling is no longer valuable.
“It’s unfortunate that our schools are closed. Some children are out of school not because of insecurity… but because they have been told that education is a scam. We need to support every child in education… We need to establish a community-based education support system,” he said.
Chairperson of the organisation, Mrs Juliet Horace-Nwabunweng, reaffirmed LA-IRIS’ commitment to partnering with local stakeholders to strengthen access to education and vocational pathways for vulnerable children.
A former governorship aspirant in Plateau State, Chris Bature, also urged parents and community leaders to support the programme, stressing that education remains a fundamental right.
The event brought together representatives from government agencies, NGOs, traditional institutions, academia, and political groups, all pledging support for the initiative. The launch comes as Nigeria continues to struggle with widespread insecurity, including banditry, kidnapping, separatist movements, and communal clashes, which have worsened humanitarian conditions in many regions.
