The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to reduce gender disparities in education, expand learning opportunities for girls and create safer, more inclusive school environments across the country.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made the commitment at an event in Abuja recently to mark the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child.
Speaking on the theme “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead,” the minister said that government was strengthening policies and programmes to, not only enhance girls’ access to education, but also ensure school retention, transition between educational levels and completion.
According to the minster, efforts to empower girls should go beyond classroom access to address their health, safety and personal development.
“Government is also pursuing a comprehensive approach that integrates education with health, protection and empowerment, recognising that girls require more than classroom access to fulfil their potential,” he said.
Alausa maintained that government was implementing the National Policy on Gender Education while collaborating with development partners and non-governmental organisations to expand safe learning spaces, provide menstrual hygiene support and offer scholarships to encourage school attendance.
He pointed out that the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) as well as the Lumina Project for Girls, were part of the ongoing interventions aimed at improving educational opportunities and equipping girls with skills to build meaningful lives.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government to ensuring that girls have greater access to education and all the support needed to complete their studies so as to contribute to the development of the country.
