The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists,NAWOJ, has called on governors of the North-Central states and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to urgently address the education and safety of the girl-child in their regions.
This follows alarming reports showing that 7.6 million girls are out of school in Nigeria.
In a press statement marking the 2024 International Day of the Girl-Child, themed "Girls' Vision for the Future," NAWOJ's National Vice President for Zone D, Mrs. Chizoba Ogbeche, expressed deep concern about the high number of girls dropping out of school.
She cited a UNICEF report from June 2022, which revealed that 3.9 million girls are out of school at the primary level, while 3.7 million are not attending junior secondary school. More than half of these girls do not complete basic education.
"Poor retention in school is a major challenge," Ogbeche said. "Around 11 percent of learners, especially girls, drop out at every grade level. In each cohort, about one million girls leave school between the first and last year of primary school, and 600,000 more drop out between primary six and JSS one."
Ogbeche further noted that gender parity in net attendance ratios remains below 1.0 in 10 states, mostly in the northern region. She stressed the importance of supporting girls through secondary education and skills development to reduce early marriages and improve their health and economic opportunities.
She urged the governors and their first ladies, as well as the Minister of the FCT, to take immediate steps to correct these imbalances. "We are calling on you to invest in proven solutions that can accelerate progress toward a future where every girl fulfills her potential," Ogbeche stated.
On the issue of school safety, she called for stronger inter-security networks in the states to address cross-border crimes that threaten the safety of students. She also urged first ladies in the North-Central states to lead the charge for girls' rights, including reproductive health and other issues that affect their future.
Ogbeche concluded by emphasizing NAWOJ's commitment to advocating for the rights and empowerment of girls across Nigeria. "We must all work together to ensure that no girl is left behind, and that they all have a chance to succeed," she said.