The Nigerian government, through the Federal Ministry of Education, has renewed its commitment to tackling gender disparities in education, expanding opportunities for girls and creating safer, more inclusive learning environments across the country.
The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Alausa, made the commitment at an event marking the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child in Abuja, Nigeria, observed annually on 11 October, under the theme, “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead.”
Alausa expressed government’s continuous determination to strengthen policies and programmes aimed at improving girls’ access to education, retention, transition and completion.
“Government is also pursuing a comprehensive approach that integrates education with health, protection and empowerment, recognising that girls require more than classroom access to fulfil their potential,” he said
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According to him, government was also implementing the National Policy on Gender Education and working with development partners and non-governmental organisations to expand safe learning spaces, provide menstrual hygiene support and offer scholarships to encourage school attendance.
He added that initiatives such as the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) and the Lumina Project for Girls are also part of ongoing efforts to improve educational opportunities and equip girls with skills to lead meaningful lives.
