The Nigeria Governors’ Forum is set to launch the Girl Child Ambassador program across all 36 states in October, with the goal of addressing the critical issue of the 20 million children currently out of school in the country.
Despite the Universal Basic Education Board Act of 2004, which guarantees free and compulsory basic education for every child in Nigeria, many children remain unenrolled.
According to a document obtained exclusively by The PUNCH and confirmed by NGF Education Advisor Dr. Ebenezer Leo The Great, the forum will partner with the Federal Ministry of Education and state governments to promote girl child education.
The document reveals that the ambassadors will lead efforts to engage stakeholders and raise awareness about the importance of educating girls throughout the country.
The initiative will kick off during the International Conference on Girl Child Education in Nigeria, scheduled for October 9th-11th, 2024.
The ambassadors will play a crucial role in advocacy and awareness campaigns, engaging with stakeholders, interfacing with the National Youth Service Corps Community Development Service group focused on girl child education, and collaborating with state education ministries.
The document also discloses that, during the ambassadors’ introduction, representatives from all 36 states will sign the Girls Child Education Fund Declaration. This action is intended to reaffirm the government’s dedication to supporting and funding girls’ education in Nigeria.
The establishment of the Girl Child Education Volunteer Association (GICEVA) aims to boost advocacy efforts, mobilize more volunteers, and enhance grassroots education initiatives.
The document highlights that the Girl Child Ambassadors will be empowered to serve as role models, encouraging other girls to excel academically and champion their right to education.
