By Abdulkadir Fatima U19MM1052
Education is a vital tool for empowering individuals mentally, socially, emotionally, and economically. Yet in Nigeria, millions of girls are denied this basic right. According to UNICEF (2023), about 7.6 million girls aged 6 to 15 are out of school, hindered by poverty, early marriage, cultural beliefs, and lack of family support.
Empowering girls through education gives them the tools to make informed choices and secure brighter futures. Both the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and CEDAW identify education as a fundamental right, not a privilege. Educated girls are more likely to marry later, avoid early pregnancies, and contribute meaningfully to society.
Related News
Studies confirm that investing in girls’ education yields lifelong benefits. According to the World Bank (2022), each extra year of schooling reduces the chance of early marriage by 10%. UNESCO (2024) reports that every additional year of education increases a woman’s income by 10-20%, proving that educating girls is both a social and economic win.
In Nigeria, initiatives like UNICEF’s Girls for Girls (G4G) have helped over 500,000 girls return to school in the north. However, challenges persist, as only 43% of girls in rural areas complete primary school, and even fewer reach the secondary level.
Educating girls is not just about classrooms; it’s about nation-building. When a girl is educated, her family, community, and country benefit. True development will only be achieved when no child, regardless of gender, is left behind.