By Olasunkanmi Onifade
The Director of Special Duties, FCT Education Secretariat, Ramatu Ajuji, has reaffirmed stronger policy commitment to girls’ education and empowerment, pledging sustained support for a positive and inclusive education sector.
Ajuji said this during a celebration held at Government Secondary School, Gwarinpa Lifecamp, Abuja, ahead of the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child scheduled for Oct. 11.
Themed “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead,” the event was organised by the Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA), FCT Chapter, to honour girls as change agents.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that students, teachers, policymakers, civil society groups, and development partners gathered to amplify girls’ voices, showcase leadership, and encourage a shared commitment to advancing gender equality in education.
Ajuji hailed the increasing leadership and innovation of girls, noting that many were now excelling beyond boys in various areas.
She urged students to pursue their dreams without hesitation.
“Girls are becoming stronger and more confident, even surpassing boys in leadership and innovation,” Ajuji said, encouraging girls to remain focused, ambitious, and resilient in pursuing their career paths.
CSACEFA Policy Advisor, Mrs Odinaka Ahanonu, highlighted the importance of collaboration between government, civil society, and communities to close gender gaps in education and promote inclusive policy reform.
She urged girls to embrace innovation, take leadership roles, and become advocates for change in their communities and beyond, stressing that their voices and actions matter now more than ever.
The event featured a girl-led panel discussion, drama, art exhibitions, and spoken word performances, each showcasing the creativity, vision, and leadership potential of young girls from participating schools.
Mrs Samira Galadima, CSACEFA FCT Secretary, applauded the students’ confidence and creativity, urging them to sustain their momentum and continue driving positive change in their schools and communities.
She said the event celebrated girls not just as beneficiaries of change but as leaders creating it, emphasising the need for safe, inclusive, and gender-responsive learning environments across Nigeria.
Galadima noted the programme was “for girls and by girls,” giving them a platform to speak, express themselves, and demonstrate their intelligence, innovation, and leadership potential without filters.
She appreciated the support of the FCT Secondary Education Board (SEB), partners, and teachers for their continued commitment to uplifting girls and promoting inclusive, equitable education policies and practices.
Mr Caesar Akudike, Focal Person of CSACEFA FCT, stressed that investing in girls’ education was key to national development and called on all stakeholders to sustain efforts for gender equity.
He reaffirmed CSACEFA’s commitment to advancing girls’ rights, leadership, and participation through education, policy advocacy, and community engagement, especially for girls in underserved and rural areas.
Oporo Precious, a student of Government Secondary School Gwarinpa, inspired her peers by saying, “Be bold and courageous. Speak out against discrimination and show you are a leader everywhere.”
NAN reports that CSACEFA is a national coalition of civil society organisations dedicated to ensuring inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all Nigerian children.
CSACEFA collaborates with government, development partners, and communities to push for education policies that promote access, gender equity, accountability, and improved learning outcomes nationwide.
Through grassroots mobilisation and community engagement, CSACEFA continues to amplify citizen voices, ensuring that education becomes a right, not a privilege, for every child, especially girls and the underserved. (NAN)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru
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