World Bank, Experts Advocate Increased Funding for IDP Children’s Education

World Bank, Experts Advocate Increased Funding for IDP Children’s Education – The World Bank has called for increased investment in education, healthcare and nutrition for internally displaced children, cautioning that neglecting the educational needs of children impacted by conflict could pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s future human capital development.

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As a result of the decade-long insurgency, particularly in the North-East region, Nigeria is currently home to approximately 3.7 million internally displaced persons (IDPs), according to the United Nations Refugee Agency.

Senior Health Specialist at the World Bank, Dr Ritgak Tiiley-Gyado, depicted by the bank’s Senior Social Development and Safeguards Specialist, Zara Goni, issued the call during a panel discussion at the Africa Social Impact Summit, held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos.

The bank added that children living in humanitarian settings should not be denied access to good education and other essential services, stressing that investment in early childhood development remained one of the most effective strategies for breaking the cycle of poverty.

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Speaking during the panel session, Tiiley-Gyado stated that research findings from the bank indicated that investing in children during their early developmental years delivers significant long-term economic and social returns.

The session, themed “Financing Early Childhood Development in Crisis: Mobilising Private and Philanthropic Capital for Early Childhood Development in Crisis,” featured experts from the education, health and development sectors.

According to her, children who benefit from quality early childhood education and care are more likely to grow into healthier, more productive individuals who can make meaningful contributions to society.

She explained that investments in early childhood development yield significant returns by improving productivity, increasing future earnings, and building stronger communities. She noted that children who receive proper early education and support are more likely to become responsible and productive citizens.

She further highlighted that early investments in healthcare and nutrition contribute to healthier populations and more resilient societies, while also reducing social challenges by shaping positive behaviours and values from childhood.

Tiiley-Gyado emphasized that early childhood development plays a vital role in addressing intergenerational poverty and enhancing Nigeria’s human capital development.

Drawing from her experience working in humanitarian environments in the North-East, she stressed the need to provide internally displaced children with access to education, nutrition, and healthcare despite the difficulties created by insecurity.

She also recalled her involvement with the Lake Chad Basin Commission and the Multinational Joint Task Force, where she worked to improve access to essential services for children living in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.

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