The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to advancing quality education for the girl-child, describing it as a cornerstone of national development.
The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, stated this during the commemoration of the 2025 International Day of the Girl-Child (IDGC) in Abuja.
The event was organized in collaboration with the Adolescent Girls’ Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project and other key stakeholders.
Ahmad, represented by the Director of Senior Secondary Education, Mrs. Binta Abulkadir, said the ministry was implementing the National Policy on Gender in Basic Education, aimed at eliminating gender disparities in access, retention, and completion of education for children.
“The theme of this celebration speaks directly to our national values and aspirations. As a nation, we have taken bold steps in recent years to support the girl-child, particularly in the area of education,” she said.
She noted that since the adoption of the initiative in 2012, significant progress had been made in improving girls’ education through partnerships with NGOs and other development partners.
“With their help, we are expanding safe learning spaces, providing scholarships, and supporting school feeding programmes to keep girls in school.
We are also developing new approaches to ensure the girl-child receives quality education in a safe and enabling environment,” she added.
Ahmad said the ministry remained committed to strengthening gender-friendly policies that promote inclusivity and empowerment for girls.
“Most importantly, we are listening to girls’ voices — their ideas, problem-solving skills, and leadership. We encourage them to speak up about issues that make them uncomfortable.
We are working with parents, communities, educators, health workers, donors, and development partners to achieve this goal,” she said.
She stressed that the perception of the girl-child had evolved significantly, noting that girls now play vital roles as family supporters, community builders, and leaders in governance and policy-making.
Also speaking, the National Coordinator of the AGILE Project, Mrs. Amina Haruna, said the focus of the celebration was to address the challenges girls face in society.
“Investment and support for girls’ empowerment and leadership initiatives must be prioritized — through equity promotion, safe learning spaces, and protection from gender-based violence,” Haruna said.
She urged all stakeholders to intensify efforts to eliminate barriers such as gender-based violence, limited access to education, early marriage, and poor healthcare.
“This day calls on all parents, leaders, educators, communities, and governments to reaffirm their commitment to building a world where every girl is safe, educated, empowered, and celebrated,” she added.
