Breaking cycles: How education protects girls from risky migration
The White Truck Empowerment Initiative, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Quality Assurance, and the National Commission for Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons, with the theme Breaking cycles: how
The White Truck Empowerment Initiative, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Quality Assurance, and the National Commission for Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons, with the theme Breaking cycles: how education protects girls from risky migration, taking into cognisance the global theme of youth co-creating on air talks, women's affairs, Radio 103.5FM.
The convener of White Truck Empowerment Initiative, Barr Taiye Edah, spoke about the link between education and migration, which is an important conversation today, because education strongly influences people’s life chances. Where quality education is limited, young people often see migration as the only path to opportunity. At the same time, global migration is increasing, and education can either empower safe, informed mobility or force people into risky and desperate movement. Discussing this link helps us understand why people move and how to give them real choices.
Barr. Ijeoma Epunah, Head of Migration Desk, National Commission for Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons, said Education shapes awareness, skills, and expectations. Educated individuals are more likely to migrate by choice, seeking further studies, better jobs, or professional growth. Those with little or no education often migrate out of necessity, driven by poverty, unemployment, or lack of options, sometimes without understanding the risks involved.
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The head of Migration, NCFRMI, stated that education helps young people prepare for opportunities both at home and abroad. Education builds transferable skills—critical thinking, digital literacy, communication, and adaptability. When young people are well educated, they can create opportunities at home through entrepreneurship and innovation, and if they choose to migrate, they can access legal pathways, decent work, and better protection abroad.
Barr Taiye Edah also reiterated that educating girls changes migration patterns and family decisions, and that educated girls marry later, have fewer and healthier children, and contribute economically to their families. Families with educated daughters are less likely to push them into early marriage or unsafe migration. Education empowers girls to make informed decisions, reducing forced migration and improving family stability.
White Truck Empowerment, Mrs Taiye Edah discussed that education protects women and girls from risky or forced migration. Education increases awareness of rights, legal migration channels, and the dangers of trafficking and exploitation. Educated women are better able to question false promises, access information, and seek help. This knowledge acts as a strong shield against abuse, coercion, and deception.
The NCFRMI representative discussed the challenges uneducated or undereducated migrants—especially women—often face, stating that they are more vulnerable to exploitation, low-paying and dangerous jobs, human trafficking, gender-based violence, and lack of legal protection. Without education, many struggle to communicate, understand contracts, or access health and social services, leaving them trapped in cycles of abuse and poverty.
People migrate more out of choice or out of necessity when educational opportunities are limited, mostly out of necessity. When education systems fail to provide skills and hope, migration becomes a survival strategy rather than a choice. People are not chasing dreams; they are escaping hardship. Expanding educational opportunities can turn migration into an option—not a last resort.
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Barr Taiye Edah said, looking ahead, education shapes migration trends in the next 5–10 years. Education—especially digital and vocational education—will determine who can compete globally and who is left behind. Countries that invest in inclusive education will see more skilled, legal, and circular migration, while those that neglect education may face increased irregular migration and youth unemployment. Key changes are needed in our education system to give young people better options.
She also added that there's a need for stronger investment in public education. practical, skills-based learning, Digital and vocational training, Gender-inclusive education policies, Career guidance and entrepreneurship education, Education must connect learning to real-life opportunities. All stakeholders pointed out that policymakers and young people should take away from this discussion.
Education is not just about schooling—it is about choice, dignity, and safety. When we invest in education, especially for girls and young people, we don’t stop migration—we make it safer and smarter.
