Nigerian Governors’ Forum Plans International Conference on Girl Child Education in Abuja

The Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) has announced an upcoming international conference to focus on addressing the challenges of girl child education in Nigeria. The conference, themed "Girl Child Empowerment through Quality Education," is set to take place on October 10 and 11 at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The conference aligns with the United Nations General Assembly’s Resolution 66/170, which established the International Day of the Girl Child. Dr. Ebenezer Leo, Head of the Education Department at the NGF, emphasized the importance of the event, calling it a critical step towards improving educational access for girls across the country.

“The conference will gather key stakeholders, experts, and advocates to create actionable strategies ensuring every girl child in Nigeria receives quality education,” said Dr. Leo.

Dr. Leo further outlined three primary areas the NGF is concentrating on: enhancing resource management, improving educational outcomes, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders on education policies. These initiatives aim to address challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, low enrollment rates, and a shortage of qualified teachers, which have hindered educational opportunities for girls in Nigeria.

At the conference, the NGF will officially launch the Girl Child Education Volunteers’ Advocates (GICEVA) initiative, a platform engaging volunteers in advocating for girl child education across the nation. Additionally, the event will unveil the "Face of the Girl Child Ambassadors," selected from National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). These ambassadors will work to promote girl child enrollment and academic success.

The conference will also feature a Declaration signing by state Commissioners of Education, pledging their commitment to supporting girl child education up to the Senior Secondary School level.

Presentations by development partners and donor agencies will highlight the current state of girl child education in Nigeria, while panel discussions will explore the barriers and solutions to improving access. Workshops and training sessions will be conducted for GICEVA members to equip them with advocacy skills, ensuring the sustainability of the initiative.

The NGF sees this conference as a significant step in ensuring that every Nigerian girl has access to the education she deserves, ultimately empowering her to contribute meaningfully to society.