The Federal Ministry of Education joined the global community to commemorate the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child under the theme “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead” at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja. The event brought together government officials, development partners, civil society organisations, educators, and students to reaffirm their commitment to advancing the rights and empowerment of Nigerian girls through inclusive and equitable education.
In her keynote address, the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmad, represented by the Director of Senior Secondary Education, Hajia Binta Abdulkadiri, stated that the celebration serves as a reminder that girls’ rights are human rights and that investing in girls is investing in Nigeria’s collective future. She acknowledged persistent challenges such as poverty, early marriage, gender-based violence, and limited access to quality education, but assured that the Federal Government remains determined to eliminate these barriers and ensure every girl can learn, grow, and achieve her dreams.
The Minister outlined key government initiatives supporting girls’ education, including the National Policy on Gender Education, designed to eliminate disparities in access and completion, and the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), which has enrolled thousands of out-of-school girls across multiple states. She also mentioned interventions such as safe learning spaces, menstrual hygiene support, scholarships, and school feeding programmes aimed at boosting attendance and retention.
Prof. Ahmad reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening girl-friendly education policies, expanding access to secondary and tertiary education particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and equipping girls with leadership, digital, and vocational skills for meaningful participation in nation-building. She called on parents, teachers, communities, and partners to continue supporting girls to reach their full potential.
Representing the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, the Director of Basic Education, Dr. (Mrs.) Folake Olatunji-David, described the celebration as a meaningful opportunity to promote gender equity and inclusive education. She reaffirmed the Ministry’s resolve to ensure that every child, regardless of gender or background, has access to quality education and equal opportunities to succeed.
Delivering a goodwill message, Mrs. Amina Buba Haruna, Director and National Project Coordinator of the AGILE Project, restated the Ministry’s determination to build an inclusive society where every child can thrive. She emphasised the need for collective action to address gender-based barriers and urged parents, educators, and community leaders to nurture girls’ confidence and leadership potential.
UNICEF, represented by Nneka Ogbansiegbe on behalf of the Chief of Education, Vanessa Lee, reaffirmed its continued partnership with the Federal Government in promoting girls’ education, especially in conflict-affected areas. She noted that investing in girls strengthens confidence, resilience, and national development, pledging UNICEF’s sustained support through initiatives such as the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) and the Education for Renewed Hope Sector Plan.
On behalf of civil society, Mr. Adeleke Damian Mary of the Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA) commended the Ministry for its leadership in championing girls’ education and reiterated that educating a girl equates to educating a nation. He encouraged girls to speak up, lead confidently, and embrace their potential as agents of change.
Representing the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE), Dr. Ogechi Okafor expressed delight in celebrating the girl child and reaffirmed FAWE’s commitment to promoting quality education, skill development, and empowerment for girls. She encouraged participants to build self-confidence, embrace their identity, and take pride in their achievements.
Youth advocate, Wadi Ben-Hirki, inspired participants with her journey from Kaduna to earning a Master’s degree with distinction from the University of Sussex. She urged girls to value opportunities, believe in themselves, and pursue their dreams with determination, reminding them that every girl’s dream is valid and achievable through courage and commitment.
The 2025 International Day of the Girl Child celebration concluded with renewed hope and a unified pledge among stakeholders to continue investing in girls’ education and empowerment as the foundation for national growth, social progress, and sustainable development.
Signed
Boriowo Folasade
Director, Press and Public Relations
