In a decisive effort to address the staggering 20 million out-of-school children in Nigeria, the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) has announced that all 36 State Governments will officially sign a declaration on October 11, 2024, aimed at promoting and financing education for girls through secondary school. This significant commitment is part of the forum’s broader initiative to empower young girls and enhance educational access across the nation.
Dr. Ebenezer Leo, the Head of the Education Department of the NGF, made this announcement during a press briefing in Abuja. The declaration signing will occur during the NGF’s International Conference on Girl Child Education, scheduled for October 10-11, 2024, at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja. This conference aims to bring together stakeholders, experts, and advocates to discuss pressing issues regarding girl child education in Nigeria.
Despite the Universal Basic Education Board Act of 2004 mandating free and compulsory education for all children, a significant number remain unregistered in schools. The Federal Government has expressed its commitment to reintegrating 10.2 million out-of-school children by 2027, recognizing the urgent need for intervention in the education sector.
Dr. Leo elaborated on the initiative, titled “Girl Child Empowerment Through Quality Education,” which aligns with the United Nations General Assembly’s resolution 66/170, adopted on December 19, 2011, establishing the International Day of the Girl Child. He emphasized that the conference will reaffirm the NGF’s commitment to addressing the challenges girls face in accessing education in Nigeria.
The conference will officially launch the Girl Child Education Volunteers’ Advocates (GICEVA), a key initiative designed to mobilize volunteers through the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and Community Development Service (CDS) Groups. This initiative aims to promote girl child enrollment in local governments nationwide. Additionally, the conference will introduce the Face of the Girl Child Ambassadors, recognizing top graduates who will serve as advocates for girls’ education in their states, supported by an overall ambassador for a one-year term.
Dr. Leo stressed the importance of the signing of a Declaration by state Commissioners of Education, affirming their commitment to supporting and funding girl child education up to the Senior Secondary School level. This Declaration will be developed in collaboration with organizations dedicated to promoting girls’ education globally, ensuring a coordinated and impactful approach.
An essential aspect of the conference is the establishment of the Education Policy Research and Development Team, tasked with creating evidence-based education policies that meet both national and international standards. This team will conduct research to inform policy decisions and improve educational data quality, engaging various stakeholders to ensure that these policies remain relevant and effective.
The conference will feature presentations from development partners and donor agencies discussing the current landscape of girl child education in Nigeria, addressing challenges, trends, and potential solutions. Engaging panel discussions led by experts, educators, and activists will delve into the barriers preventing girls from accessing education, while workshops will equip GICEVA members with essential advocacy skills.
On the second day, keynote addresses from distinguished speakers, including education experts and government officials, will underscore the critical importance of girl child education. The formal launch of the GICEVA initiative and the unveiling of the Face of the Girl Child Ambassadors will symbolize the collective commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for girls in Nigeria.
