UNICEF urges leaders to prioritise girls’ education for growth

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund has said that only access to quality education for all Nigerians can effectively address the high level of poverty in the country.

Speaking at a media briefing on Friday in Yola, the Adamawa State capital, the Chief of UNICEF’s Bauchi Field Office, Nazhat Rafique, said the Nigerian government can tackle poverty by prioritising quality education for all citizens.

She emphasised that girl-child education plays a critical role in national development, noting that educating women is a major driver of societal progress.

“Give me good mothers, and I will give you a good nation,” she said.

Rafique called on Nigerian leaders to address gender discrimination in the education sector, pointing out that certain cultural norms and traditions hinder girl-child education.

She added that the goal of the Education Cannot Wait initiative is to promote every child’s right to education and quality learning, regardless of their background or circumstances.

According to her, collaboration between ECW, the Adamawa State Government, and UNICEF in implementing the project will help provide access to education for underprivileged communities.

Speaking at the event, a UNICEF Education Specialist, Mr Abdulrahman Ardo, said the 16-month project is designed to improve learning outcomes for children, particularly the most vulnerable.

“It will reduce the number of out-of-school children in Adamawa State and promote inclusive and equitable access to quality education for all children,” he said.

He disclosed that 100 school teachers would be trained in climate change, disaster management, and risk control.

Ardo added that the project, which will train over 253,000 students across Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe states, commenced in September 2024 and is expected to end in December 2027.