This article was written by Aisha Bukar Usman, Access to Education Lead for Plan International Nigeria.
With approximately 20 million children out of school, Nigeria is grappling with a significant educational crisis, fueled by poverty, insurgency and displacement. In response to this alarming situation, the Opportunities to Learn activity was launched in 2021, funded by United States Agency for International Development with the International Rescue Committee as the lead organization, working with partners — Plan International, Inclusive Development Partners, Restoration of Hope Initiative and American University of Nigeria.
The activity’s mission is to provide quality, safe basic education to out-of-school children and youth aged 10 to 15, using Nigeria’s Accelerated Basic Education Program curriculum. This curriculum was designed to provide foundational skills in literacy and numeracy to enable these children to transition to higher education levels or enter the workforce.
The impact of the OTL activity has been profound. By July 2024, 5,075 OTL activity learners across Borno and Yobe states took the Basic Education Certificate Examination, a significant achievement considering the educational challenges in these locations.
The Basic Education Certificate Examination is a pivotal milestone in a student’s educational journey in Nigeria. Success in the BECE is a prerequisite for transitioning from junior secondary school to senior secondary school. For girls in particular, succeeding in the BECE can have a profound impact on their future prospects, enabling them to pursue their academic and career goals. This, in turn, can lead to improved economic prospects, enhanced life skills and confidence, and a break from the cycles of poverty.
In Yobe state, 641 learners (430 girls and 211 boys) participated in the examination. The Ministry of Education in Yobe state waived the examination fees and allowed learners to write the examinations without the usually compulsory requirement of wearing school uniforms. This is the first time in Nigeria that learners from an accelerated non-formal education pathway wrote the BECE — and the results were inspiring.
All program participants passed the BECE, and the Yobe State Government has offered them entry admissions into government senior secondary schools. This is a testament to the resilience of communities and the importance of targeted educational interventions in crisis-affected regions. Education is undeniably a catalyst for change, especially in regions facing significant socio-economic challenges. The collaborative efforts of the OTL activity’s consortium, government stakeholders and community members have made a significant difference in the lives of thousands of children.
Among the many success stories emerging from this education initiative, Fatima’s story stands out. Before enrolling in this program, Fatima’s life was marked by hardship. She spent her days begging in the streets, a daily routine that left her physically and emotionally exhausted.
At the inception of the OTL activity, Fatima was provided with crutches to aid her mobility, as she had previously relied on a locally made stick to support her mobility to school. This support not only improved her physical mobility but also changed her social interactions.
“My classmates used to mock me, knowing me as the girl who begged on the street, but my teachers helped change their attitude,” Fatima shares. “Now, with my new crutches, I arrive on time, and my classmates respect me for my uniqueness.”
Fatima’s journey is a powerful reminder of how inclusive education can change lives. The OTL activity not only provided her with the tools to succeed academically, but also fostered a supportive learning environment that allowed her to thrive.
“She comes back home excited, singing songs I do not even know the meaning of,” Fatima’s mother says. “I have never gone to school, but I am glad Fatima has the opportunity I didn’t get as a child through OTL.”
Fatima’s story is not just about overcoming personal challenges — it is a testament to the broader impact of educational initiatives. When girls like Fatima have access to quality education, they are able to unlock their full potential and become change-makers in their communities.
“I want to continue with my studies to become a doctor,” Fatima says. “I understand what it means to be in special need and would love to be able to support more people like me in the future.”
