RismadarVoice Reporters
October 19, 2026
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has raised concerns over the persistent barriers preventing millions of Nigerian girls from accessing quality education, warning that poverty, insecurity and harmful social practices continue to threaten their futures.
Speaking at the 2026 commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child in Abuja on Monday, UNICEF Education Officer Blessing Afuwai reportedly said approximately one in four Nigerian girls remained out of school.
Afuwai also highlighted the country’s foundational learning crisis, noting that many children lack essential reading and numeracy skills needed for further education and economic participation.
She identified poverty, unsafe learning environments, child marriage and gender-based violence as major obstacles affecting girls’ enrolment, attendance and school completion.
The UNICEF official urged government authorities, communities and development partners to strengthen interventions that would enable girls to enrol, remain in school and acquire relevant skills.
She reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting education reforms and improving learning opportunities for disadvantaged children.
The Federal Ministry of Education also reiterated its commitment to reducing gender disparities and expanding access to safe, inclusive learning environments.
Speaking during the commemoration, ministry officials outlined measures including scholarships, menstrual hygiene support, improved school facilities and stronger protection against gender-based violence.
The government identified the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) among programmes intended to improve educational opportunities and equip girls with practical skills.
Officials also emphasised expanding access to science, technology, engineering and mathematics, alongside digital literacy, vocational training and leadership development.
Education stakeholders called on parents, teachers, community leaders and development organisations to address discrimination, early marriage and other practices that undermine girls’ education.
UNICEF’s published education data confirms that Nigeria faces substantial challenges in school attendance and learning outcomes, with particularly severe disadvantages affecting children in poorer households and conflict-affected communities.
The agency’s education assessments have also documented widespread deficiencies in foundational reading and numeracy among children aged seven to 14.
Stakeholders maintained that improving girls’ education would require sustained investment, safer schools and stronger cooperation between government institutions and communities.
They stressed that providing girls with meaningful educational opportunities was essential to reducing inequality, strengthening economic participation and supporting Nigeria’s long-term development.
