With a view to reducing the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria, especially girls, a coalition of Non-Governmental Organization in the education sector has developed a Girls’ Education Charter.
The Girls’ Education Charter which features specific demands for the improvement of the education of the girl child in Nigeria has over 2,500 endorsements.
In a press release jointly signed by Abubakar Askira, Kiki James, Habiba Mohammed, Rotimi Olawale of Malala Fund Gulmakai Network Champion, the charter demands for an increment in the budget allocation to the education sector.
“The Girls’ Education Charter calls for the Nigerian government to increase its education budget, amend the Universal Basic Education and commit to halving the number of out-of-school children by 2030”, the statement added.
According to the statement, The Girls’ Education Charter “Commits to increase the education allocation to least 20% of the national budget and 6% of GDP — ensuring the planning, budgeting, and the Medium Term Sector Strategies (MTSS) processes are transparent and open to civil society organisations.
“Amend the Universal Basic Education Act (2004) to extend its coverage from junior to senior secondary education thereby guaranteeing compulsory, free, safe and quality education with increased UBE Fund increment from 2% CRF to 5%. The UBE ACT amendment should also removed barriers and hidden costs while providing schools with adequate running costs so as to eliminate the need for hidden fees and levies imposed by school administrators.”
The charter also demands for an expansion of the National Homegrown School Feeding Program to cover all public schools in all states of Nigeria.
“Commit to working with state and local governments to ensure the domestication and enforcement of the Child Rights Act.
“Commit to halve the number of out-of-school children by 2030. Launch a targeted strategy for girls’ inclusion focused on increasing enrolment and retention of girls, improving the quality of secondary education for girls and addressing missing facilities and security. Indicators should be developed in order to measure progress
“Provide a comprehensive quality girls’ education programme in safe spaces that is responsive to the needs of young girls and adolescents.
The charter also seek to take cognizance of girls’ sanitary needs in schools, Invest in female leadership in education by appointing tested female professionals as education minister, commissioners, education secretaries, chairmen and members of governing council and boards and other leadership positions in education.
The other commitments of the charter according to the press statement is “scaling up Learning Resource Centres in public schools stock with gender-sensitive books and materials in line with the national curriculum.
“Reintroduce school inspectors properly trained on all aspects of enforcement of minimum standards; properly trained on effective and efficient monitoring of gender equitable outcomes and mechanisms, and supportive of teachers in enhancing learning outcomes.
“Improve on teacher remuneration, training and appreciation to include prompt payment of teacher salaries, better welfare packages as well as implementing programs to appreciate outstanding teachers and school administrators.”
The signatories on behalf of Civil Society Organisations, education stakeholders and concerned citizens demand the attention and commitment of the President of the federal republic of Nigeria and policymakers to the Girls’ Education Charter.
“To ensure that the voices of active citizens and girls across the country who signed the charter are heard, education advocates will continue to use the charter to engage policymakers and political leaders in the new political dispensation as education policy and budgeting takes shape”, the statement added.
Share this
