In a bold move to transform the lives of conflict-affected children in Nigeria, the NEEM Foundation is advocating for the national and global scaling of a trauma-informed, value-based accelerated education model that has already yielded remarkable success among survivors of violence.
Dr. Fatima Akilu, Executive Director of the NEEM Foundation, made the call in Abuja at a Policy dialogue on Education as reparation for survivors of, and children affected by conflict-related sexual violence.
Dr Akilu emphasized the urgent need to prioritize education in emergencies and conflict zones.
She highlighted the Foundation’s integrated approach that combines education and psychology to support traumatized children and young people, many of whom have been displaced or severely affected by insecurity across the country.
“Almost every state in Nigeria has children traumatized by conflict or instability,” Dr. Akilu said. “We wanted to ensure we had a model fit for purpose—one that could be scaled up nationwide and integrates trauma-informed care into education.”
So far, over 600 individuals have benefited from the Foundation’s educational initiatives, with additional hundreds supported through programs focused on gender-based violence, life skills, and mental health. Notably, the Foundation has helped young survivors—some with no prior education—achieve academic excellence, with several earning full scholarships to study competitive courses such as law and medicine at the American University of Nigeria, Yola.
Dr. Akilu emphasized the role of government in expanding the initiative. “We need more qualified teachers, mental health practitioners, and an accredited curriculum that reflects trauma-informed values. We’re building the scaffolding now, but government support is essential to scale it up,” she stated.
Speaking on the reintegration of women affected by sexual and gender-based violence, Dr. Akilu revealed that many were once captives of insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP. While some are re-entering formal education, others receive life skills training to support their livelihood and independence.
Ms Esther Dingemans, Director of the Global Survivors Fund, lauded the NIM Foundation’s work as a practical model for child-focused reparations. “What we saw here is exactly how civil society can lead. They’ve demonstrated that healing, learning, and community-building can happen simultaneously in schools,” she said. “This is what reparation can look like for children—especially those born of or exposed to sexual violence.”
Ms Dingemans reaffirmed the Global Survivors Fund’s commitment to supporting such efforts, noting that while reparations are a right for survivors, children are often the most neglected. “Here in Nigeria, we saw what’s possible. It’s doable, it’s affordable, and most importantly, it works,” she concluded.
The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II represented by Falakin Kano Alhaji Muktar Ibrahim expressed commitment to supporting initiatives that promotes education and life long learning especially among the vulnerable in the society.
As conflict continues to disrupt education across the country, the call for trauma-informed learning models is gaining momentum—offering not just hope, but tangible transformation for Nigeria’s most vulnerable children and communities.
Editing by Daniel Adejo
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