Conflict induced internal displacement has caused over 2 million to be homeless across Nigeria with over 80% of the displaced population being women and children – with children accounting for the larger part of this population. While there appears to be a strong institutional framework to protect internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Nigeria, the legal framework on which the institutions could thrive is relatively weak. The lack of a uniform approach in ensuring access to education among the displaced and nondisplaced calls for a proactive measure on the part of the Nigerian government in providing compulsory and free basic education to all children of school age without any form of discrimination on the societal status of the children
By Roger Guiu and Nadia Siddiqui | May 7, 2026
By examining the behavior and living conditions of internally displaced persons (IDPs) across humanitarian, development, and peace indicators, it is possible to know what matters most to displaced populations seeking to return or remain in a location. Quantitative modeling across Iraq, Syria, and Sudan reveal consistent commonalities in IDP decision-making in this regard. However, these critical elements are often not prioritized initially in international and national crisis responses – if they are dealt with at all. This 12th volume in our series on ‘Internal Displacement in a Changing World Order’ details these findings and their implications, arguing for genuinely centering displaced and conflict-affected populations’ own priorities, wellbeing, and rights as the basis for the resolution of displacement in a changing global order. What is needed is a more robust, simultaneous, and consolidated transversal approach, not a shrunk down status quo.
