The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, has drawn attention to a significant educational challenge in Nigeria, highlighting that approximately 7.6 million girls, primarily from the northern region, continue to face educational deprivation.
Ms. Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative, delivered this message during the commemoration of the 2023 International Day of the Girl at the Kano Government House.
The event was themed “Our time is now – our rights, our future.”
Munduate acknowledged that while the achievements of girls provide hope, a concerning reality emerges as 7.6 million girls in Nigeria remain deprived of essential educational opportunities. She further revealed that Nigeria accounts for a staggering 15% of out-of-school children globally.
“Yet, only a mere 9% of the poorest girls have the chance to attend secondary school. This is not just a statistic, it’s a wake-up call. However, amidst these challenges, we find glimmers of hope,” she emphasized.
Munduate pointed out that Kano currently ranks second in the number of out-of-school girls in Nigeria. She stressed the urgent need to emphasize the transformative power of education, as it not only creates opportunities but also actively breaks the cycles of poverty.
Munduate noted that the enthusiasm displayed by students during the event serves as evidence of the boundless potential that resides within every girl child. Their capabilities underscore the outcomes achievable when girls are empowered through education.
During a panel discussion, students touched on various vital topics, including the challenges of insecurity as a significant barrier to girl-child education and the necessity for girls to participate in various sectors of human endeavor.