The Federal Government of Nigeria has restated its unwavering dedication to advancing quality education for girls, describing it as essential to the country’s sustainable growth and development.
Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday during the commemoration of the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child (IDGC), the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmed, emphasized that empowering the girl child through education remains one of Nigeria’s top priorities.
The event, organized by the Federal Ministry of Education in partnership with the Adolescent Girls’ Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) and other development partners, focused on bridging gender gaps in the nation’s education system.
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Represented by the Director of the Senior Secondary Education Department, Mrs. Binta Abulkadir, Prof. Ahmed reaffirmed the ministry’s ongoing implementation of the National Policy on Gender in Basic Education, which aims to eliminate disparities in access, participation, and completion rates between boys and girls.
“This year’s theme aligns perfectly with Nigeria’s vision for inclusive education. Over the past few years, we have taken bold steps to ensure that every girl, regardless of background, has access to quality learning,” Prof. Ahmed said.
She noted that the Ministry, in collaboration with development partners, has made significant strides in creating safe learning spaces, expanding scholarship opportunities, introducing school feeding programmes, and supporting other initiatives that promote girl-child education.
“Through the collaboration of NGOs, local communities, and stakeholders, our schools are becoming safer, more inclusive, and more empowering for girls. We are also strengthening gender-responsive education policies while giving girls greater opportunities to lead, speak, and participate in decision-making,” she added.
Prof. Ahmed described girls as “nation builders and agents of transformation,” adding that their growing academic success reflects the country’s educational progress.
“Gone are the days when the girl child was undervalued. Today, she stands as a symbol of strength, leadership, and intelligence. Recent examination results reveal that girls are outperforming boys in key subjects such as English, Mathematics, Biology, Civic Education, and the Arts. This proves that with the right support, girls thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development,” she noted.
In her remarks, Mrs. Amina Haruna, the National Coordinator of the AGILE Project, said the 2025 celebration serves as a global call to action for increased investment in girls’ leadership and empowerment.
She urged all stakeholders—parents, educators, policymakers, and community leaders—to intensify their efforts to eliminate barriers that limit girls’ potential, including gender-based violence, early marriage, poor access to healthcare, and inadequate educational opportunities.
“This day reminds us to reaffirm our collective responsibility to create a society where every girl is safe, educated, and celebrated,” Haruna said.
Encouraging young girls to embrace self-belief and confidence, she added:
“Never underestimate your value. Your voice matters and your dreams are valid. Keep shining, stay determined, and believe in your abilities—that’s the essence of the AGILE project’s message.”
The International Day of the Girl Child, observed annually on October 11, seeks to amplify the voices of girls and advocate for their rights, education, and equal opportunities across the world.
