Rebuilding education in Yobe

In the heart of Yobe State, a vital narrative is unfolding—a story of resilience and hope, driven by the dedicated efforts of YETFund to transform education for every child. As we confront the stark reality of an education crisis in Nigeria, we recognize the urgent need for action. As noted in a recent article by THIS DAY, “There is an urgent need to invest more in education,” especially in the North-east, where far too many children are denied access to learning opportunities.

The statistics are staggering: according to UNICEF, three out of four school children in the region struggle to read or perform basic math before they even reach Primary Six. The impact of the Boko Haram insurgency has deepened this crisis, with over 650 teachers killed and around 19,000 displaced. Schools are not just under-resourced; they have been ravaged, with more than 900 schools damaged or destroyed and about 1,500 forced to close.

In Yobe State, the challenges are compounded by a lack of infrastructure—many classrooms are dilapidated or non-existent, and nearly half of all schools are in dire need of rehabilitation. With a pupil-teacher ratio averaging 124 to one, the learning environment is far from conducive.

Yet, amidst these challenges, YETFund is committed to addressing critical infrastructure deficits—building classrooms, providing toilets, and ensuring adequate furniture. Our mission is clear: to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment for every child. By investing in education today, we are nurturing a brighter future for Yobe State and the nation at large, combating the cycle of neglect and empowering the next generation. Together, we can turn this crisis into a story of hope and transformation.