Malala visits Nigeria to draw attention to education crisis
Over 2,295 teachers have been killed and 19,000 displaced, and almost 1,400 schools destroyed in northeast Nigeria since the start of the Boko Haram insurgency in 2009.

Three million children in the northeast are in need of support to keep learning.

Nobel Peace Prize winner and international education activist Malala Yousafzai met this week with young girls displaced by the Boko Haram crisis. These girls are trying against all odds to continue with their studies.

Malala talked to girls a school at a camp on the outskirts of Maiduguri that is home to more than 21,000 displaced people.

“Studies are clear — educating girls grows economies, reduces conflict and improves public health. For these girls and for their country’s future, Nigeria’s leaders must immediately prioritise education,” said Malala
The Nigerian girls were able to share stories of their experiences of Boko Haram and described how violence and insecurity have disrupted their lives and their learning.

“I like the unity that coming to the classroom brings. Our school helps us think about a future,” explained 15 year old Fatima Ali.

“We will do everything in our power to make sure all children can keep learning. We believe that education — especially for girls, is the single most important way to bring hope, peace and prosperity not just for this generation, but for also for future generations,” said Mohamed Malick Fall, UNICEF’s Representative in Nigeria, reaffirming UNICEF’s commitment to stand with Malala.
