Education fast facts: NIGERIA
Did you know...
AEP is working hard to try and change the statistics in the areas of Gusau, Zamfara and Kafanchan, Kaduna. With each renovation and new construction, school populations have shown tremendous growth. The facilities serve to support and encourage the students and community by providing quality educational facilities where parents are comfortable sending their children. The payoff of each investment -- access to quality education -- is priceless.
Education is, quite simply, the foundation for everything else. AEP is working at the grassroots level to help provide quality education with the necessary supplies to the underserved, regardless of background.
- Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa with 242,431,832 people as of 2026 accounting.*
- The median age in Nigeria is 18.3 years.*
- One of every five of the world's out-of-school children is in Nigeria.+
- Only 61% of 6-11 year-olds regularly attend primary school.+
- Less than half of the girls in the north attend school.+
- About 30% of Muslim children in the northeast and northwest receive Qur'anic education which does not include basic reading and math skills.
- Less than 30% of schools have access to clean water, toilets, and basic sanitation services.+
AEP is working hard to try and change the statistics in the areas of Gusau, Zamfara and Kafanchan, Kaduna. With each renovation and new construction, school populations have shown tremendous growth. The facilities serve to support and encourage the students and community by providing quality educational facilities where parents are comfortable sending their children. The payoff of each investment -- access to quality education -- is priceless.
Education is, quite simply, the foundation for everything else. AEP is working at the grassroots level to help provide quality education with the necessary supplies to the underserved, regardless of background.
school Construction and safety
AEP works closely with established partners in Nigeria to provide quality schools. Depending on the expressed and prioritized needs of the Nigerian teams, AEP provides funding for brand new school buildings or when possible, renovations to existing structures. Blueprints are provided for new construction and budgets developed. Renovations include complete overhauls to both the exterior and interior. Wiring, plastering, tiling, additions of shutters and doors, and painting are all considered budgeted items.
Perimeter walls around school sites are a necessity for our partners. AEP has helped ensure that all of our schools have these expansive walls to secure the grounds. Perimeter walls also define the school boundaries to prevent encroachment from outsiders looking for “available” land.
Whenever possible, AEP provides funding for new classroom furniture, playground equipment, and educational supplies. When travel is possible, an AEP team member meets with teachers and students on ground to share ideas and materials and work to solve common educational issues that arise.
Perimeter walls around school sites are a necessity for our partners. AEP has helped ensure that all of our schools have these expansive walls to secure the grounds. Perimeter walls also define the school boundaries to prevent encroachment from outsiders looking for “available” land.
Whenever possible, AEP provides funding for new classroom furniture, playground equipment, and educational supplies. When travel is possible, an AEP team member meets with teachers and students on ground to share ideas and materials and work to solve common educational issues that arise.
scholarships
The cost to educate a child in the areas where AEP is working averages about $300 per year. Included in educational expenditures are tuition, books, uniforms, and room and board for those who live on campus. The $300 figure also allows for routine maintenance of the buildings on the different campuses. When one thinks of the average per-pupil expenditure here in the United States- over $16,000- $300 represents less than many spend on a daily cup of coffee.
The AEP Education Fund was started in 2024 with 33 students. Thanks to the generosity of individuals and groups, we are now sponsoring over 110 students. There are many who are waiting...
The AEP Education Fund was started in 2024 with 33 students. Thanks to the generosity of individuals and groups, we are now sponsoring over 110 students. There are many who are waiting...
water and sanitation for schools
Water and sanitation are critical components to any school project. Not only do these provisions enhance the comfort of both students and staff, they enhance the health of all.
Clean water and adequate sanitation facilities are unavailable in about two thirds of the schools in Nigeria, an appalling statistic. The provision of boreholes or wells can lead to a decrease in water-borne diseases caused by drinking contaminated water. Several of the schools are set up to allow the community access to this clean water.
Separate toilet buildings with block-lined waste pits that can be emptied prevent defecation around the surrounding school grounds and limit the spread of disease. In addition, hand washing stations help ensure that children learn proper health care.
Clean water and adequate sanitation facilities are unavailable in about two thirds of the schools in Nigeria, an appalling statistic. The provision of boreholes or wells can lead to a decrease in water-borne diseases caused by drinking contaminated water. Several of the schools are set up to allow the community access to this clean water.
Separate toilet buildings with block-lined waste pits that can be emptied prevent defecation around the surrounding school grounds and limit the spread of disease. In addition, hand washing stations help ensure that children learn proper health care.
Sources: UNICEF Nigeria Facts Sheets on Water, Sanitation & Hygiene; Education; Child Protection; Situation of Women & Children