The federal government has said it will continue to prioritise quality education of the girl child for national development.
The Ministry of Education made the revelation during the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child (IDGC) celebration, which it organised in collaboration with the Adolescent Girls’ Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project and other key stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmed, who was represented by the Director for Senior Secondary Education Department, Hajiya Binta Abulkadir, said the ministry is implementing the National Policy on Gender in Basic Education, which aims at eliminating gender disparities in access, education and competition for children.
She said: “The theme of this celebration speaks directly for 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.
“Yes, this initiative of supporting the girl has been in the history since 2012. Currently, we are implementing the National Policy on Gender in Basic Education, which aims at eliminating gender disparities in access, education and competition for children. The Ministry has made a significant stride in the education of girls in several fields.
“With the help and assistance of NGOs, we are expanding safe learning spaces, providing instruments of support and providing sc holarships and school feeding programs for our young children. We are working, of course, in multiple sub-centres to develop a new approach to the better education of the girl child.
“As a federal ministry of education, we have to build upon our commitment to strengthening the gender-friendly policies for the education of the girl child, creating a world inclusive not just for men and women, and empowering the girl child.
“Most importantly, we’re listening to girls’ voices, their problem-solving and decision-making, their leadership, and to report anything they are not comfortable doing. Please be reminded that we are not in this alone. We are working with parents, communities, health-based leaders, educators, donors and drivers, etc.
“The girl child today is a thriving force, there is no doubt. The role of the girl child in today’s society cannot be taken for granted. The girl is a girl, as a sister. And much like her in life, she is loved as a wife and valued as a mother.
“Time has passed when the values of the girl child was underestimated. But today, the value of the girl child is highly estimated. The girl is a family supporter, a society builder, and a strong lead in both governance and policies. One of the speakers said that girls are more intelligent than boys and I tend to support that.
“Just three years ago, we had an examiner’s report where the girls outdone, outperformed the boys in subjects like English, mathematics, biology, civic education, and the arts. So in fact, when I read the report, I was so proud. I was so happy that our girls are not left behind. So please, keep on that way.”
Also speaking, the National Coordinator, AGILE Project, Mrs. Amina B. Haruna, said the objective of this year’s celebration aims to inspire global action, investment and support for girls empowerment and leadership initiative in the area of organising girls leadership, empowering girls, promoting equity, creating safe spaces.
She said: “I urge every relevant stakeholders to put their best in addressing these unique challenges girls face, both in their education, including gender-based violence, limited access to education, early marriage and health care, which AGILE project is providing us.
“These challenges are in their voices and in their potential. Therefore, this day calls to all parents, leaders, educators, communities and government to raise our commitment to building a world where girls are safe, educated, empowered and also celebrated. To every girl here this morning, never doubt who you are.
“You are a big advantage. Your voice matters and your presence is different. Stand tall and declare your confidence, and this is what we are teaching under the AGILE project, under the life skills. Stand tall and declare your confidence as I have said. Together I have to change ideas.
“Let us all work together to create a future where girls are not only seen and heard, but are needed and shaped in the world we all share. Girls of today, women of tomorrow. Little girls who dream and become women with vision. My beautiful girls here, I wish you all a happy celebration.”
Blueprint reports that highlight of the event was cultural display by students from various secondary schools in the FCT.
