The World Bank has called on the private sector to increase investment in education, healthcare, and nutrition for internally displaced children. The bank warned that failure to support children affected by conflict could undermine Nigeria’s future human capital development.
Nigeria has about 3.7 million internally displaced persons due to a decade-long insurgency, especially in the North-East. The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) provided this figure.
World Bank: Investment in children yields long-term benefits
Senior Health Specialist at the World Bank, Dr Ritgak Tiiley-Gyado, made the call during a panel session at the Africa Social Impact Summit in Lagos. The bank said children in humanitarian settings should not be denied access to quality education.
“Every naira invested in early childhood development generates several more naira through higher productivity and earnings,” she said. “We have also found that children who receive early childhood development become better and more productive citizens.”
She added that early childhood development remains critical to breaking intergenerational poverty. It also strengthens Nigeria’s human capital.
Experts lament low funding for early childhood education
The National Coordinator of the Nigeria Coalition on Early Childhood Development in Crisis, Arome Agenyi, called on the Federal Government to increase funding. He lamented that only about one per cent of the national education budget goes to early childhood education.
“Across the country, only about one per cent is budgeted for early childhood education and development,” he said. “We call on the private sector to show greater interest and not leave responsibility solely to the government.”
He warned that without increased investment, Nigeria risks losing a generation of children.
Public-private collaboration key to success
The Education Programmes Lead at Sterling One Foundation, Samuel Ajayi, advocated stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors. He emphasised that meaningful impact requires intentional investment.
“We have to be intentional about investing in early childhood development,” he said. “Collaboration between the public and private sectors is key if we are to achieve meaningful impact.”
Nutrition affects learning outcomes
Education Adviser at Plan International, Tobi Ransomed, stressed the importance of nutrition in children’s learning outcomes. She noted that malnutrition affects cognitive development and classroom performance.
“Poor nutrition affects children’s ability to learn and assimilate,” she said. “Hungry children cannot concentrate, and many suffer stunted growth. There has to be a shared funding mechanism to support early childhood development.”
Youth advocates call for greater investment
Early Childhood Development Youth Ambassador, Priscilia Ibadin, urged greater investment in young people. She said youth empowerment would strengthen advocacy for child development within communities.
“Youths should serve as advocates for development in their communities,” she said. “Investing in young people is equally important because they can drive sustainable development and support early childhood initiatives.”
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