President Bola Tinubu has affirmed that no Nigerian child will be excluded from quality education. He also called for actions that can eliminate the structural inequalities that hold women back in Africa.
Tinubu was speaking on Monday in Abuja at the launch of the Organisation
of African First Ladies for Development #Weareequal campaign, in
Nigeria.
Tinubu said: ” I am aware that this campaign has been
successfully launched in 15 other African countries, focusing on health,
education, economic empowerment and gender based violence. I am also delighted
to learn of all the various initiatives that Your Excellencies have embarked
upon in your respective countries. I celebrate you all.
“The focus of the launch of this campaign in Nigeria,
‘Education as a Powerful Tool for Change’ is critical for Africa’s development,
if we are to attain gender equity and ensure equal opportunities for all.
“We must continue to create opportunities for all our
children to access quality education without leaving anyone behind,
particularly the girl child.
“We must engender a society where everyone has the same
opportunities, regardless of who they are, because doing that leads to a
stronger and more peaceful society for all.
“It is noteworthy that the launch of this laudable campaign
in Nigeria came with the reintroduction of the Alternative High School for
Girls by the First Lady. This initiative offers a second chance to young girls
who have dropped out of school to further their education and fulfil their
dreams and aspirations.
” I am happy to note that the foundation stone of one of the
schools was recently laid in Osun State, in western Nigeria, by the First Lady.
More schools are underway across the country, supported by state governments,
the federal government through the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC),
and other development partners.
“As governor of Lagos State, before I became President of
Nigeria from May 29, 2023, I witnessed firsthand, how societal challenges such
as unwanted teenage pregnancy, domestic violence, human trafficking and drug
addiction can obstruct the promising future of young girls.
“Indeed, the reintroduction of Alternative High School for
girls by the First Lady of Nigeria must have received inspiration from the
successful implementation of a similar initiative in Lagos State during my
tenure as governor.
“Research has consistently highlighted education as the
cornerstone for national development. When girls are empowered to pursue their
dreams, communities thrive, economies prosper, and nations succeed.
It is, therefore, incumbent on all of us to continue to take
bold and decisive actions to eliminate the structural inequalities that hold
women back on the continent.
We must be conscious of the fact that the empowerment of
women and girls is essential to achieving each of the United Nations’
Sustainable Development Goals.
We must work together to promote laws and policies that
protect and promote women’s rights, invest in girls’ education and skills
development, and create economic opportunities that are accessible to all.
“For us in Nigeria, the full operationalization of the
Student’s Loan (Access to Higher Education) Act is key to achieving these goals
as it will ensure that all young people have unhindered access to education.
“The Nigerian government, through the Federal Ministry of
Industry, Trade and Investment, is also implementing a N50,000 non-repayable
grant programme for one million Nigerians in Nano businesses and skilled
trades, including women and youth.
“We will continue to work to end gender-based violence and
increase learning opportunities for girls, in safe and conducive environments.
These measures will enable more women succeed in different vocations and
properly shape their future endeavours, from politics to engineering, science,
technology, sports and the creative economy.
While I commend the African First Ladies for the #WeareEqual
campaign, more mentorship is needed to help our girls embrace their cultural
identities and traditions proudly.
“As Africans, we believe in wholesome society. We are
family-oriented, and we value the collective well-being of all. It is our duty
as parents and guardians to teach our girls our cherished cultural values and
traditions. Africans are known for warm hospitality and generosity. Our
can-do-spirit also imbues us with the ability to thrive in challenging
environments and circumstances. We are who we are. We are Africans.
“I reaffirm my commitment to ensuring that no Nigerian child
is excluded from quality education that prepares women and girls to lead and
bring positive changes to our communities”.