FG, Malala Fund, call for urgent action to return 9.5m out-of-school girls back to classrooms
The Federal Government and the Malala Fund Nigeria have called for urgent and coordinated action to address the plight of nearly 9.5 million girls who are currently out – of
- From Frank Ikpefan, Abuja
The Federal Government and the Malala Fund Nigeria have called for urgent and coordinated action to address the plight of nearly 9.5 million girls who are currently out - of - school.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening financing for girls’ education and improving planning and tracking of education funds to ensure measurable results.
Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Doris Uzoka-Anite, who spoke during a high-level policy dialogue on financing the future of Nigerian girls organised by Malala Fund Nigeria, noted that focus must shift from policy commitments to tangible outcomes, particularly for girls facing poverty, distance, and other barriers to education.
The dialogue brought together government officials, development partners, civil society organisations, and education advocates to push for stronger financing and accountability mechanisms.
The minister said, “I stand here as proof that education transforms lives. The decisions taken at the dialogue should create a future where young girls are not only able to dream but are supported with the resources needed to achieve those dreams.
“Gender-responsive planning must go beyond policy documents to concrete actions that directly impact girls. We must ensure transparency and accountability in the education financing system so that resources reach the girls who need them most.
She also urged participants to work collectively to ensure that no girl is left behind in the country’s education system.
Also speaking, Chief Executive Officer of Malala Fund Nigeria, Nabila Aguele, said nearly 9.5 million girls in Nigeria are currently out - of - school, noting that education allocations alone cannot guarantee results.
“Funds that are not released on time, not fully spent, or not properly targeted will not address the challenges facing girls. Gender-responsive budgeting must become a deliberate governance commitment,” Aguele said.
Aguele explained that the dialogue aimed to bring together policymakers, development partners, and civil society to share evidence, identify what works, and agree on concrete commitments to improve access to education for girls across the country.
According to her, improving girls’ education required addressing systemic barriers alongside financing gaps, with quality spending and accountability mechanisms essential for sustainable results nationwide.
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Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Beatrice Eyong of UN Women said Nigeria continued to have one of the highest numbers of out-of-school children globally, with girls making up the majority.
She said, “The evidence is clear and compelling, and it calls for urgent, coordinated, and well-financed action. Millions of girls remain out of school due to poverty, early marriage, and gaps in targeted public spending.
“Investing in girls’ education is not only a social responsibility but also an economic strategy that will drive national development.”
Eyong further stressed the importance of embedding gender-responsive approaches into national planning and budgeting frameworks to ensure accountability and measurable results.
Executive Director of Invictus Africa, Bukky Shonibare, emphasised that Nigeria allocates only seven per cent of its 2025 national budget to education, far below the UNESCO-recommended 15–20 per cent benchmark.
“Beyond allocations, effective and targeted spending is critical. Deliberate investment is needed to address barriers preventing girls from enrolling, staying, and completing school,” she said.
She added that structural challenges such as early pregnancy, lack of facilities, absence of female teachers, and unsafe learning environments continue to impede girls’ education.
Funom Yakubu of Education as a Vaccine (EVA) urged policymakers to translate the discussions into actionable steps.
“Nearly 9.5 million Nigerian girls are out of school today. That is not a funding gap alone. It is a planning gap. Girls across the country are waiting for real action rather than repeated policy discussions.
“We must prioritise girls in planning, costing, and tracking education spending,” she said.
Representatives from Kano and Oyo states reiterated their commitment to gender-responsive planning.
Alhaji Bashir Mohammed, Permanent Secretary of Kano State Ministry of Education, said the state allocated over 39 per cent of its budget to education to ensure vulnerable girls are included in funding decisions.
Also, Permanent Secretary of Oyo State Ministry of Education, Mrs. Olufunke Karunwi highlighted initiatives such as school feeding, free uniforms, and safe transport to improve girls’ enrolment, retention, and completion rates.
The policy dialogue concluded with a unanimous call for urgent action, stronger financing, and improved accountability to ensure that the nearly 9.5 million out-of-school girls across Nigeria can return to classrooms and fulfil their potential.
