The Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) is set to launch a Girl-Child Education Volunteers’ Advocates (GICEVA) initiative to promote girl-child enrolment in schools in local governments across Nigeria.
The initiative, according to a statement by Ebenezer Leo, the Head of the NGF Education Department, in Abuja, is designed to engage volunteers in advocating for girl child education across Nigeria.
Mr Leo said that the initiative would be launched during the forum’s forthcoming two-day international conference on girl child education, scheduled for October 10 and 11, 2024, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He said that the conference with the theme, “Girl-Child Empowerment Through Quality Education”, reaffirmed the NGF’s commitment to addressing the challenges that the girl-child faces in Nigeria, particularly in education.
He added that the conference would also unveil the Face of the Girl Child Ambassadors, who would represent the commitment to girl child education among corps members (NYSC) in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“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,” he said.
The theme: “Girl Child Empowerment Through Quality Education”, he noted, aligns with the United Nations General Assembly’s International Day of the Girl-Child.
The conference, according to him, aims to strengthen partnerships among government agencies, NGOs, and international organisations to work collaboratively toward ensuring quality education for every girl child in Nigeria.
He added that the unveiling of the girl-child ambassadors would celebrate the academic successes of top graduates.
He said it would also empower them to advocate for girls’ education in their states, with coordination provided by an overall ambassador for a one-year term.
“This declaration will be developed in collaboration with organisations dedicated to promoting girls’ education globally,” he said.
Mr Leo further revealed that the conference agenda will include presentations from development partners and donor agencies, who would discuss the current landscape of girl-child education in Nigeria, highlighting trends, challenges, and potential solutions.
“The event will conclude with a significant signing ceremony, where state education commissioners will endorse the declaration of 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, mobilising 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,” he noted.
