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 the opportunity to learn, lead and realise her full potential.
The Acting Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Mrs. Folake Olatunji-David, gave the assurance on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, at the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child celebration held in Abuja.
Speaking on the theme, “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead,” she stressed that the commemoration must translate into concrete action to address persistent challenges, including poverty, child marriage, genderbased violence, discrimination and inadequate safe learning environments.
She 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).
Dr. Olatunji-David highlighted ongoing efforts to provide safe learning spaces, scholarships and menstrual hygiene support in collaboration with development partners and non-governmental organisations. She also cited the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) and the LUMINAH Project for Girls as initiatives supporting girls’ education, skills development and empowerment.
She added that the Ministry would continue promoting digital literacy, vocational training, leadership development and life skills, while strengthening protection against abuse and ensuring that girls’ voices are heard in decisions affecting their education and future.
Addressing the girls, she encouraged them to believe in themselves, pursue their ambitions and recognise their value as contributors to national development, stressing that every girl deserves to be educated, protected, respected and empowered.
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. 1 He urged parents, teachers and school administrators to provide safe, inclusive and supportive environments that enable girls to 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). She disclosed that one in every four girls in Nigeria was out of school, while many lacked foundational literacy and numeracy skills.
She identified poverty, insecurity, harmful cultural practices and inadequate learning environments as major obstacles to girls’ education, warning that exclusion from education undermines their 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.
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 called on parents, teachers and communities to provide the guidance and support girls need to succeed.
The Assistant Director, Legal Services, Mrs. Vivian Agada, also emphasised the importance of protecting girls’ rights through effective implementation of relevant legal frameworks.
She encouraged girls to report abuse, intimidation and discrimination to trusted adults and appropriate authorities. 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. Angel Daniel of Federal Government Girls College, Bwari, Abuja, also urged sustained efforts to end child marriage and encourage girls to pursue their educational aspirations.
The Federal Ministry of Education calls on parents, communities, faith-based organisations, educators, development partners and the private sector to translate commitments into sustained action. Ensuring that every girl is safe, educated and empowered is a shared responsibility and a vital investment in Nigeria’s future.