Nigeria, Japan, and UNESCO Collaborate to Bolster Girl-Child Education

The Nigerian Federal Government has reiterated its strong dedication to ensuring inclusive, safe, and high-quality education for girls across the country.

This commitment was highlighted by the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad.

The statement was made during a Validation Workshop for a project funded by Japan and implemented through the UNESCO International Institute for Capacity Building in Africa (IICBA).

The project focuses on enhancing teachers’ capacity to support girls’ education in West Africa.

Professor Ahmad emphasized that this initiative aligns with Nigeria’s Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI).

She called upon stakeholders to pinpoint existing gaps and recommend cost-effective approaches to improve teacher skills and promote female leadership within schools.
 
Dr. Tanko Sununu, the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, also spoke at the event, underscoring the critical role of the teaching profession in nation-building and describing it as a rewarding career.

He commended the partnership between UNESCO IICBA and the Japanese government, noting that investing in human capital, especially through the education of girls, is crucial for Nigeria’s sustainable development and social advancement.
 
Kozaki Hitoshi, representing the Embassy of Japan, reaffirmed his country’s dedication to promoting inclusive education and empowering teachers as vital agents in ensuring girls have access to schooling.

Dr. Quentin Wodon, Director of UNESCO IICBA, further stressed the project’s significance in strengthening pre-service education tailored for girls.

He acknowledged the potential for the project to make a substantial impact, despite its current scale.