The Federal Government in collaborations with the government of Japan and UNESCO has come together to proffer ways to improve girl-child education in the country.
The Minister of State for Education, Dr Tanko Sununu at a National Conference on Teacher Education in Abuja on Thursday, applauded Japan’s support and UNESCO’s role in coordinating education agenda.
The conference has the theme:”The Teachers We Need for Quality Girl-Child education in Nigeria”.
Sununu said the conference was a prelude to the project for capacity-building of teachers to promote continuous and inclusive access to safe and quality education for girls in West Africa.
According to him, the project which runs concurrently in six other African countries is sponsored by the government of Japan and coordinated by the International Institute for Capacity Building in Africa (ICBA).
“Today’s event was birthed sometime last year when Dr Wodon paid a courtesy visit to me and in the course of our discussion, requested for all forms of support from UNESCO-ICBA.
“The project aims to build the capacity of teachers, enhance teacher training institutions, and provide continuous access to quality education, especially for girls.”
The Minister added that the initiative was aimed at addressing the educational challenges facing the girl-child in the country.
“This project is targeted at addressing the serious educational challenges, characterised by low educational attainment and high rate of out-of-school children, poor learning, poverty, gender inequality and acute shortage of qualified teachers, especially female teachers.
“The teachers we need are those who are committed to providing quality education to our girl-child,” he said.
He emphasised that committed teachers were needed to empower the female children
The minister also expressed optimism that the project would have a significant impact on the lives of women and children, thereby creating opportunities for every girl to receive a quality education and achieve their dreams.
On his part, the representative of the Japanese Embassy, Mr Kazuyoshi Matsunaga, emphasised the importance of empowering women and girls, saying it was essential for peace and security.
“Access to quality education is paramount. It enhances the labour force, improves family health and education, reduces poverty, and promotes gender equality.
“We are committed to improving access to quality education for 4 million girls in Africa, and this project is one way we are honouring our commitment,” he said.
Also, the UNESCO Representative to Nigeria, Mr Abdourahamane Diallo, said the partnership demonstrated the value of partnerships in development and the commitment of Nigeria, Japan, and UNESCO to improving girl-child education in Nigeria.
Diallo said the importance of teachers in promoting girl-child education could not be overemphasised, hence the need to support their roles professionally.
“Teachers transform lives and can act as role models, confidants, mentors, and advocates for girls
“The project aims to support the professional development of teachers, enhance the capacity of teacher training institutions, and provide continuous and inclusive access to quality education, especially for girls,” he said.(NAN)