The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of the girl child, eliminating gender disparities in education and ensuring that every Nigerian girl has access to quality education and opportunities to realise her full potential.
The Acting Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Folake Olatunji-David, gave the assurance 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 stressed the need for concrete action to address challenges such as poverty, child marriage, gender-based violence, discrimination and unsafe learning environments.
She said the ministry remained committed to expanding access to education, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), while promoting digital literacy, vocational training and leadership development for girls.
She also highlighted government initiatives aimed at providing safe learning spaces, scholarships and menstrual hygiene support, including the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) and the LUMINAH Project for Girls.
Earlier, the Director of Senior Secondary Education, Adeniji Ibrahim, described girls as future leaders, scientists, teachers, entrepreneurs and policymakers whose education was essential to Nigeria’s development.
In her goodwill message, UNICEF Education Officer, Blessing Afuwai, disclosed that one in every four girls in Nigeria was out of school, identifying poverty, insecurity, harmful cultural practices and inadequate learning environments as major barriers to girls’ education.
Afuwai called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to ensure that every girl enrols in school, acquires relevant skills and completes her education.
Similarly, the National Coordinator of the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) Nigeria, Amina Usman, urged girls to take their education seriously, speak out against discrimination and remain focused on their aspirations.
The Assistant Director of Legal Services in the ministry, Vivian Agada, emphasised the importance of protecting girls’ rights through effective implementation of relevant laws. She also encouraged girls to report abuse, intimidation and discrimination to trusted adults and appropriate authorities.
The Federal Ministry of Education called on parents, educators, communities, faith-based organisations, development partners and the private sector to support efforts to ensure that every girl is educated, protected and empowered, describing it as a shared responsibility and a vital investment in Nigeria’s future.
