The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to girl-child education, safety and empowerment, pledging to address gender disparities in education and ensure that every Nigerian girl has the opportunity to learn, lead and realise her full potential.
The Acting Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Folake Olatunji-David, gave the assurance on behalf of the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, during the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child celebration in Abuja.
Speaking on the theme, “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead,” Olatunji-David said the annual commemoration must lead to concrete action against challenges affecting girls, including poverty, child marriage, gender-based violence, discrimination and unsafe learning environments.
FG Strengthens Policies for Girls’ Education
The acting permanent secretary reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to implementing the National Policy on Gender in Education, strengthening girl-friendly policies and expanding access to, retention in and completion of secondary and tertiary education, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
She highlighted ongoing efforts to provide safe learning spaces, scholarships and menstrual hygiene support in collaboration with development partners and non-governmental organisations.
According to her, the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) and the LUMINAH Project for Girls are among the initiatives supporting girls’ education, skills development and empowerment.
Olatunji-David added that the ministry would continue promoting digital literacy, vocational training, leadership development and life skills while strengthening protection against abuse and ensuring girls’ voices are heard in decisions affecting their education and future.
Addressing the girls at the event, she encouraged them to believe in themselves, pursue their ambitions and recognise their value as contributors to national development.
She stressed that every girl deserves to be educated, protected, respected and empowered.
UNICEF Raises Concern Over Out-of-School Girls
Earlier, the Director of Senior Secondary Education, Mr. Adeniji Ibrahim, described girls as future leaders, scientists, teachers, entrepreneurs and policymakers whose education was essential to Nigeria’s progress.
He urged parents, teachers and school administrators to provide safe, inclusive and supportive environments where girls could develop their talents and aspire to leadership.
In her goodwill message, UNICEF Education Officer, Mrs. Blessing Afuwai, reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government in advancing equitable and quality education through the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI).
Afuwai disclosed that one in every four girls in Nigeria was out of school, while many others lacked foundational literacy and numeracy skills.
She identified poverty, insecurity, harmful cultural practices and inadequate learning environments as major barriers to girls’ education.
According to her, exclusion from education undermines girls’ prospects for employment, economic empowerment and meaningful participation in society.
She called for stronger collaboration to ensure that every girl enrols in school, acquires relevant skills and completes her education.
FAWE Nigeria Urges Girls to Speak Against Discrimination
Similarly, the National Coordinator of the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) Nigeria, Mrs. Amina Usman, urged girls to take their education seriously, speak up against discrimination and remain focused on their aspirations.
She also called on parents, teachers and communities to provide the guidance and support girls need to succeed.
The Assistant Director of Legal Services, Mrs. Vivian Agada, emphasised the importance of protecting girls’ rights through the effective implementation of relevant legal frameworks.
Agada encouraged girls to report abuse, intimidation and discrimination to trusted adults and appropriate authorities.
Students Call for Scholarships, Safer Hostels
Speaking on behalf of participating students, Victory Hope-Omenma of Federal Government College, Kwali, Abuja, called for increased scholarship opportunities, improved hostel safety and greater access to sanitary pads.
Another student, Angel Daniel of Federal Government Girls College, Bwari, Abuja, urged sustained efforts to end child marriage and encourage girls to pursue their educational aspirations.
The Federal Ministry of Education called on parents, communities, faith-based organisations, educators, development partners and the private sector to translate commitments into sustained action.
The ministry stressed that ensuring every girl is safe, educated and empowered remains a shared responsibility and a vital investment in Nigeria’s future.
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