NGF raises girl-child ambassadors to boost school enrolment

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum will deploy Girl Child Ambassadors across the 36 states in October, aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school children in the country, estimated at 20 million.

Although the Universal Basic Education Board Act of 2004 mandates free and compulsory basic education for all children in Nigeria, a significant number of children are still not enrolled in school.

In a document exclusively obtained by The PUNCH and confirmed by NGF Education Advisor, Dr. Ebenezer Leo The Great, on Wednesday, the forum will collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Education and state governments to address girl child education.

As contained in the document, the ambassadors are expected to engage stakeholders and engage in awareness campaigns on girl child education across the country.

It stated, “This will be done during the International Conference on Girl Child Education in Nigeria from 9th-11th October 2024.

“The ambassadors are to be involved in advocacy and awareness creation on girls child education in the states, stakeholders’ engagement, interface with the girl child education National Youth Service Corps Community Development Service group and work with State ministry of education.”

The document revealed that during the introduction of the ambassadors, representatives from 36 states will sign the Girls Child Education Fund Declaration to reinforce the government’s commitment to supporting and funding girls’ education in Nigeria.

It stated, “The establishment of GICEVA is expected to enhance advocacy efforts for girl child education, mobilising more volunteers to actively participate in promoting education at the grassroots level.

“The signing of the declaration by representatives from the states is anticipated to solidify the commitment of the government to support and fund girl child education in Nigeria.”

It said the Girl Child Ambassador would be empowered to serve as a role model, “inspiring other girls to pursue academic excellence and advocate for their right to education.”

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