UNICEF has raised concerns about the persistently high number of out-of-school children in Bauchi State, particularly in the Alkaleri Local Government Area.

The Education Specialist in Bauchi, Raphael Ayedipes, expressed worry over the increasing dropout rate among girls in the region.

UNICEF plans to launch an intensive awareness campaign to highlight the importance of education in children’s lives and encourage school enrollment.

Bauchi State has been identified as having the highest number of out-of-school children, with Alkaleri LG being the highest among the twenty local government areas in the state.

Poverty and economic hardships in the community have been cited as major factors contributing to children dropping out of school and engaging in street hawking for survival.