The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) will deploy Girl Child Ambassadors across the 36 states in October, aiming to reduce the number of out-of-school children in the country, currently estimated at 20 million.
Despite the Universal Basic Education Board Act of 2004 mandating free and compulsory basic education for all Nigerian children, a significant number remain unenrolled in school.
According to a document obtained by The PUNCH and confirmed by NGF Education Advisor, Dr. Ebenezer Leo The Great, on Wednesday, the forum will work in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education and state governments to tackle the issue of girl child education.
The document outlines that the Girl Child Ambassadors will engage stakeholders and conduct awareness campaigns nationwide. “This will be done during the International Conference on Girl Child Education in Nigeria from 9th-11th October 2024,” it stated.
The ambassadors will participate in advocacy and awareness efforts, stakeholder engagement, and collaboration with the National Youth Service Corps Community Development Service group and state education ministries.
The initiative will also see representatives from all 36 states sign the Girls Child Education Fund Declaration, reinforcing the government’s commitment to supporting and funding girls’ education in Nigeria.
“The establishment of GICEVA is expected to enhance advocacy efforts for girl child education, mobilizing more volunteers to actively participate in promoting education at the grassroots level,” the document revealed.
The Girl Child Ambassadors will serve as role models, inspiring other girls to pursue academic excellence and advocate for their right to education.
