The issue of poor girl-child education is a pressing concern that needs to be addressed urgently. According to experts, the number of out-of-school girls in Nigeria is alarming, with 18.5 million children out of school, 60% of whom are girls ¹. This is a stark reminder of the challenges that girls face in accessing quality education, and the need for government action to tackle this issue.
One of the major obstacles to girl-child education is the lack of funding. The Malala Fund and its partners have urged the Nigerian government to prioritize girls' education in the 2025 budget by significantly increasing funding ². This is a crucial step towards ensuring that girls have access to quality education, and that they are not left behind in the pursuit of their dreams.
Another challenge that girls face is the lack of vocational skills acquisition training. The House of Representatives has urged the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) responsible for training and empowerment to ensure compulsory vocational skills acquisition training for girls ¹. This will help to keep them engaged and productive, and prevent them from falling into the trap of drugs and other vices.
The Nigerian government has also been called upon to establish nationwide alternative high schools to enhance education for the girl-child ³. This is a welcome move, as it will provide girls with more opportunities to access quality education, and to achieve their full potential.
Despite these challenges, there are many organizations and individuals working tirelessly to promote girl-child education in Nigeria. The Girls Education Mission International, a non-governmental organization, has decried the difficulties faced by the girl-child in achieving her dreams ⁴. However, with the help of such organizations, and with government support, it is possible to make a significant impact in the lives of girls, and to ensure that they have access to quality education.
In conclusion, the issue of poor girl-child education is a complex one, and it requires a multi-faceted approach to solve. The government, NGOs, and individuals must work together to ensure that girls have access to quality education, and that they are empowered to achieve their full potential. By prioritizing girls' education, and by providing them with the necessary support and resources, we can help to create a brighter future for girls in Nigeria, and to ensure that they are able to contribute fully to the development of their country ¹ ² ³.
