The Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), will on October 10-11 hold an international conference on girl child education at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa.
According to a statement on Thursday, signed by the Head of Education Department, NGF, Dr. Ebenezer Leo, the conference reaffirms NGF’s commitment to addressing the challenges that girls face in Nigeria, particularly in education.
He said the initiative, themed “Girl Child Empowerment Through Quality Education,” aligns with the United Nations General Assembly’s resolution 66/170, adopted on December 19, 2011, which established the International Day of the Girl Child.
The statement read: “Founded in 1999 following Nigeria’s transition to democratic governance, the NGF is a non-profit, non-partisan organization representing the 36 democratically elected governors of Nigeria.
“The Forum advocates for inclusiveness, democratic values, good governance, and sustainable development at the state level. Over the years, the NGF has become a critical platform for utilizing federalism to tackle pressing national issues. Its activities are guided by the NGF Secretariat, which serves as both a policy hub and a resource centre for data and policies relevant to sub-national governance.
“In the field of education, the NGF has identified three primary areas of focus aimed at enhancing resource management, improving educational outcomes, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders on key education policies.
“These initiatives are essential to aligning state governments’ urgent educational needs with the challenges of governance, funding, inadequate infrastructure, low enrollment rates, and a lack of qualified teachers. These issues have significantly hampered educational attainment and limited opportunities for youth, especially for girls in Nigeria.
“A major initiative under the education department is the Education Policy Research and Development Team. This team is dedicated to supporting the formulation and implementation of evidence-based education policies that meet national and international standards.
“Their work includes conducting research to inform policy decisions, strengthening education information systems, and improving the quality and availability of educational data. Engagement with various stakeholders is a crucial aspect of this effort to ensure that educational policies are both relevant and effective.
“The International Conference will launch the Girl Child Education Volunteers’ Advocates (GICEVA) initiative, a platform designed to engage volunteers in advocating for girl child education across Nigeria. The conference will also unveil the Face of the Girl Child Ambassadors, who will represent the commitment to girl child education among corp members (NYSC) in Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).”
He added: “Key objectives of the conference include the official launch of GICEVA, which aims to mobilize volunteers through the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and Community Development Service (CDS) Groups to promote girl child enrollment in local governments across Nigeria. Additionally, the unveiling of the Face of the Girl Child Ambassadors will celebrate the academic successes of top graduates, empowering them to advocate for girls’ education in their states, with coordination provided by an overall ambassador for a one-year term.
“Another important aspect of the conference is the signing of a Declaration by the state Commissioners of Education, affirming their commitment to support and fund girl child education in Nigeria up to the Senior Secondary School level. This Declaration will be developed in collaboration with organizations dedicated to promoting girls’ education globally.
“The conference agenda includes presentations from development partners and donor agencies, who will discuss the current landscape of girl child education in Nigeria, highlighting trends, challenges, and potential solutions. Engaging panel discussions featuring experts, educators, and activists will explore the barriers to girl child education and the strategies needed to overcome them. Workshops and training sessions will also be conducted for GICEVA members, equipping them with essential advocacy skills.
“The second day of the conference will feature keynote addresses from eminent speakers, including education experts and government officials, emphasizing the critical importance of girl child education. The formal launch of the GICEVA initiative will take place, alongside the unveiling of the Face of the Girl Child Ambassadors, symbolizing academic excellence and commitment to girls’ education.
“The event will conclude with a significant signing ceremony, where state education commissioners will endorse the Declaration Education Financing, thereby reinforcing their dedication to improving girl child education in Nigeria.
“The anticipated outcomes of this conference are substantial. The establishment of GICEVA is expected to enhance advocacy efforts for girl child education, mobilizing more volunteers to engage in promoting education at the grassroots level. The signing of the Declaration will solidify the government’s commitment to supporting and funding girl child education initiatives.
“Furthermore, the Face of the Girl Child Ambassadors will serve as role models, inspiring young girls to pursue academic excellence and advocate for their rights to education. Lastly, the conference aims to strengthen partnerships among government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations to work collaboratively toward ensuring quality education for every girl child in Nigeria.
“The NGF’s International Conference on Girl Child Education represents a pivotal moment for advancing the cause of girl child education in Nigeria. By bringing together key stakeholders, experts, and advocates, the conference seeks to devise actionable strategies to ensure that every girl child in Nigeria receives a quality education.
“We encourage your support and participation in this significant event. Together, we can make a meaningful contribution to the advancement of education in Nigeria and foster a brighter future for our nation.”
