The UNESCO has revealed that the number of out-of-school children and young people worldwide has risen to 273 million, marking the seventh consecutive year of increase.
The figure was disclosed in its 2026 Global Education Monitoring (GEM) report, underscoring deepening challenges in access to education across the globe.
Rising global education gap
According to the report, one in six school-age children globally is currently out of school, while only two in three complete secondary education.
UNESCO noted that progress in keeping children in school has slowed significantly since 2015, reversing earlier gains made over the past two decades.
Key drivers of the crisis
The organisation identified conflict and rapid population growth as major factors contributing to the rising number of out-of-school children.
In conflict-affected regions, the situation is even more severe, with many children not captured in official statistics.
Despite this, UNESCO highlighted that global education had previously seen strong progress, with enrolment rising steadily since 2000 and millions of children gaining access to schooling.
Slowdown threatens global targets
The report warned that while access to education has improved historically, recent trends show a worrying slowdown.
Many children who enrol in school are unable to complete their education, particularly at the secondary level, due to systemic challenges.
Education systems across developing regions continue to face pressure from insecurity, population growth, and limited funding.
Funding gap widens inequality
The crisis is most pronounced in sub-Saharan Africa, where education systems are struggling with chronic underfunding.
Estimates show the region faces an annual education financing gap of about $70 billion, limiting access to quality education.
Globally, low- and middle-income countries require approximately $461 billion annually between 2023 and 2030 to meet education targets, but current funding levels fall far short.
Spending disparities remain stark, with some countries allocating as little as $55 per student annually compared to over $8,500 in high-income nations.
Nigeria’s growing challenge
Nigeria remains one of the countries most affected by the crisis, with between 18 million and 20 million children out of school.
Factors such as poverty, insecurity, and regional inequalities continue to drive the country’s high numbers.
Call for urgent action
The findings highlight a growing global education crisis that could undermine long-term economic and social development if left unaddressed.
UNESCO is calling for increased investment, stronger policies, and targeted interventions to ensure more children not only access education but complete it.
