Save the Children Nigeria

Some years ago, Umma* stopped school. At home, circumstances shifted, and things became difficult. Without a steady income, Umma’s* mother, Zuwaira*, who once sold cooking oil, could no longer sustain a reliable means of livelihood. One day, Zuwaira* heard in her community about a @savethechildrenng -supported learning centre (Alternative Learning Centre), and, upon hearing about it, she took Umma* and her sister Nana* to join. Supported by @savethechildrenng in partnership with Education Cannot Wait (ECW), this Alternative Learning Centre is targeted at expanding access to safe, inclusive, and flexible education for children affected by conflict and displacement. Now, Umma* is back in school! Umma* can now read and write and hopes to continue her education until she graduates. Umma's* sister, Nana*, also attends the Save the Children Nigeria–supported Accelerated Learning Centre. This intervention also works to create safe and inclusive learning environments and to strengthen teaching quality through teacher training. Learners are supported with books, hygiene kits, and psychosocial services to reduce barriers to attendance and improve participation. So far, over 122,000 children have been reached, 92,160 learner kits distributed, 5000 dignity kits distributed, and 6000 hygiene kits distributed. 🔗/nigeria/stories/when-education-finds-its-way-back-ummas-journey-back-school

In Adamawa State, practical investments in healthcare infrastructure are changing how communities access health services. @savethechildrenng , with support from @global.affairs.canada and in partnership with @ghivafrica_official , has renovated a health facility in Song LGA, Adamawa, Nigeria. The newly improved health Facility is aimed at reducing child, adolescent, maternal, and general healthcare challenges, including malnutrition. The rehabilitated clinic is better equipped to address health challenges affecting children, adolescents, and women in the community, including malnutrition and emergency care. It also integrates improved water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities, including a 24‑hour borehole and designated areas where women and adolescent girls receive hygiene education. Implemented under the Malnutrition And Protection Life-saving in Emergency (MAPLE) Project, these improvements, alongside restored water systems and upgraded sanitation facilities, are part of broader efforts to strengthen health service delivery quality. They are also geared towards helping communities access quality care in safer and healthier environments.

Mustapha* is the grandfather and primary caregiver of Mu’azu*, a five-year-old living with mobility challenges in a community in Yobe State. Since early childhood, Mu’azu*’s condition has limited his movement, preventing him from attending school and taking part in everyday activities. Despite repeated efforts to find treatment, the family could not access lasting support, and keeping him out of school was deeply painful. In 2025, a community volunteer working with Save the Children Nigeria and Life At Best Development Initiative (LABDI) identified Mu’azu for support in partnership with the European Union. After assessment, he received a wheelchair to support his mobility. Mu’azu is now learning to use the assistive device and is gradually gaining confidence and independence. For the first time, he has been registered for school and is expected to enrol once he fully adapts to the wheelchair. The intervention has opened the door to education, inclusion, and a brighter future for Mu’azu* and his family. * Name changed

Conflict in northeast Nigeria continues to have a devastating effect on children’s health and nutrition, leaving children facing severe acute malnutrition. @savethechildrenng , in partnership with the Ministry of Health, is providing free, life‑saving care to children in affected communities. At the Gujba Stabilisation Centre, led by our staff, Dr Blessing, children suffering from severe acute malnutrition receive free medical care, treatment, and services. Despite operating in an insecure setting, our teams remain on the ground, delivering essential care despite ongoing risks. Hear from our Country Director, Duncan Harvey and Dr Blessing as they share the work being done and what is still needed to sustain this support.

Seven years ago, 12-year-old Binta* developed a severe eye condition that caused constant pain and disrupted her daily life. With limited access to healthcare, her family first tried traditional treatment, but her condition worsened. In 2025, her case was identified through community volunteers under an intervention by @savethechildrenng and @labdinigeria , funded by the European Union. Binta* was referred for urgent care and received life-saving eye surgery at a State Teaching Hospital, with all medical costs covered. Her recovery was successful, and follow-up checks confirmed no complications. In addition, her family received Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) to meet basic needs during her treatment and recovery. Today, Binta* has returned to school, actively participates in learning, and has regained her confidence and happiness. *name changed

Imagine a child starting life without their first dose of the DTP vaccine, leaving them unprotected from diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough), despite these diseases being preventable. In Nigeria, over 2 million children are “zero‑dose”, meaning they have never been reached by routine immunisation services and have not received even their first dose of this life‑saving (DTP) vaccine. This #WorldImmunisationWeek, @savethechildrenng is calling for renewed commitment to reach every child and ensure no one misses out on life‑saving vaccines.

More than just a medical miracle, immunization is a promise: that every child deserves the chance to survive, grow, and thrive. 🛡️✨ Over the last 50 years, vaccines have saved more than 150 million lives. That isn’t just a statistic; it’s millions of first days at school, graduation ceremonies, and dreams fulfilled. From Polio to the urgent push for HPV and Malaria protection, our national security is built on these shots of hope. ​However, the health of a nation isn’t measured by its skyscrapers, but by the resilience of its most underserved settlements. Right now, there is a dedicated effort on the ground to reach "zero-dose" children—those who have yet to receive a single life-saving vaccine. From deep-dive research into the drivers of hesitancy to the frontline delivery of targeted immunization, the goal is clear: Equitable Access. ​But passion alone will not finish the map. This work requires a balance of sustainable domestic financing and committed global partnerships. We aren't just advocating for a shot in the arm; we are advocating for the policy and social environments that protect our future. No child should be invisible. No community should be beyond reach. Special recognition to @savethechildrenng , @gavialliance , @whonigeria , @nphcda , @unicefafrica , @unicef_nigeria , @ncdcgov for their relentless work in protecting children through immunization. 🛡️✨ ​Let’s fund the gap and protect the promise. Join the movement by checking your child’s immunization schedule today and helping us spread the message. Because protection is a gift we pass on. 🇳🇬🌍 ​#AVW2026 #WorldImmunizationWeek #VaccinesWork #NoZeroDose #SpokenWord

Natural and man‑made hazards such as floods, droughts, disease outbreaks, and conflict can significantly affect children, disrupting their learning and well‑being. In communities most at risk, these shocks can force families to flee and make it harder for children to stay safe and in school. Through our Anticipatory Action interventions, @savethechildrenng is working to reduce this by acting before predictable crises strike. By supporting communities to plan and respond early to risks like flooding, we help reduce the impact on children and protect what matters. When floodwaters threaten classrooms, especially in flood‑prone communities, learning doesn’t have to stop. With proactive preparedness measures, safer access to learning spaces, and rapid, community‑led action taken before the flood peaks, children can stay in school, safe, and supported. 🎥 Watch to learn more about our Anticipatory Action work in Nigeria.

At Cuppy Foundation, we believe every child should know they can become whoever they want to be. When we invest in children through education, confidence, and opportunity, we help them see a bigger future for themselves. 🕊️🤎 #CuppyCares

Adamu*, a father, farmer, and retired teacher, shares how the Safe Family Session supported more open and positive relationships between parents and children in his community. In Adamu's* community, there were strains in parent-child communication; people had issues relating to their children. In some households, children were afraid to approach their fathers or ask for help. Things began to change after @savethechildrenng engaged him and others in his community in the “Safe Family Session". The safe family session is tailored towards building stronger relationships between children and their parents/caregivers. This includes working with children, fathers, mothers, caregivers, and communities to transform gender norms, power dynamics and accepted practices that drive violence in the home. It also involves working with governments to strengthen systems and mechanisms that increase children’s protection. One of Adamu’s* sons told us how he now sits with his father and talks to him: I am happy. I did not go to school before, but now I attend regularly. I can sit with my father, talk to him, and tell him stories. Also, children were provided with learner’s kits including books, bags, and writing materials to reduce the financial pressure on parents and make it easier to keep children in school. @savethechildrenng , in partnership with @goalprime.ng and supported by @educannotwait , provided learning materials to reduce household financial stress and has reached over 2,100 individuals through The Safe Family Session, tailored towards strengthening parent–child relationships. Read more: /nigeria/stories/creating-safer-homes-children-safe-family-session-effect

Over 10 million children in Nigeria are out of school. Musa was one of them — until recently. With the Reaching Out-of-School Children program, Nigeria’s Kaduna State works with @gpforeducation , @savethechildrenng and @isdb_stories to remove systemic barriers that keep children like Musa from learning. Financed through the GPE Multiplier, the program unlocks additional resources from @kuwaitfund , the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development, @educationaboveall_eaa with support from @qatar_fund , the state government, and Save the Children and responds to Kaduna State’s education priorities: reducing out-of-school children, ensuring inclusive and quality learning, and strengthening community engagement. Musa proves that education multiplies possibilities: after joining the program himself, he helped mobilize 11 other out-of-school children in his community to do the same. #FundEducation #MultiplyPossibility

🌿 Happy International Wellness Day! 🌿 Today, we celebrate healthy habits that help children grow strong, happy, and confident! Simple and consistent actions can make a big difference in children’s well-being, including: 🧼 Keep hands clean: Scrub hands well for at least 20 seconds, counting to 20 or singing the “Happy Birthday” song twice, then rinse thoroughly under running water. 🏃🏽‍♀️ Play! Physical play, such as running, jumping, climbing, or learning a new sport or game, helps children become physically and mentally strong. 😴 Sleep well: For children to stay healthy, their bodies need time to rest and refresh. Getting enough sleep is essential for growth, learning, and overall well-being. 🥗 Encourage healthy eating habits: Promoting healthy eating among children, teens and even adults supports overall well-being and helps build lifelong healthy habits. We want to hear from you! What is one healthy habit you encourage children to practice every day? Drop it in the comments 👇