In Maiduguri, northeastern Nigeria, a school dedicated to helping children impacted by Boko Haram violence is facing a severe crisis following the withdrawal of U.S. funding. The institution, which once served more than 3,000 students, has now been forced to reduce its operations, displacing over 700 students and 20 teachers.
For years, the school provided a safe space, quality education, and psychosocial support to children who had been orphaned, displaced, or traumatized by the insurgency. It also acted as a buffer against extremist recruitment by keeping vulnerable youth engaged in positive, productive learning environments.
With the funding cut, administrators have been forced to scale down services dramatically. Essential programs, including counseling, nutrition support, and vocational training, have either been suspended or reduced, leaving hundreds of children at risk of dropping out and returning to unstable environments.
Community leaders and education advocates warn that the situation could exacerbate the region’s security challenges. “Education is our first line of defense against radicalization,” one local activist said. “When these children lose access to school, they become more vulnerable to the same forces that tore their families apart.”
The funding shortfall comes at a time when the region is still grappling with the aftermath of years of conflict, compounded by poverty, displacement, and limited infrastructure. Humanitarian organizations are calling on both the Nigerian government and international partners to step in urgently to sustain the school’s programs and safeguard the futures of affected children.
As Maiduguri and the broader northeast seek stability and recovery, many fear that without immediate intervention, the loss of such vital educational resources could undo years of progress in the fight against violent extremism.