The Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, has called for a coordinated, multisectoral approach to prioritize girl-child education in the country. Speaking at the International Conference on Girl Child Education in Nigeria, Shettima emphasized the need for collaboration between government, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society, and donors to ensure that every child, regardless of gender, receives quality education.
Represented by Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, Shettima warned that failing to educate girls would have long-term negative consequences for the nation’s future, including economic and social instability. He highlighted the importance of education in reducing poverty, improving health outcomes, and enhancing future earning potential.
Shettima also stressed the urgency of addressing the high rates of out-of-school children, particularly in northern Nigeria, calling for state-specific action plans to tackle the region’s unique challenges. He urged partners like the World Bank and African Development Bank to help bridge educational gaps and ensure that no girl is left behind in the country’s Human Capital Development Programme.