Stakeholders Demand Action for Girls' Education in Nigeria

Stakeholders focused on women's and children's rights called on the Nigerian federal and state governments to tackle barriers to girls' education. This appeal was made during the public presentation of "Grace and Grit," a memoir by Dr. Ifeoma Charles-Monwuba, organized by the Social Development Action Trust on the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child.

Amina Baba-Manu, Director of Strategy, Innovation and Impact at SDA Trust, emphasized that ending child marriage requires more than awareness campaigns, highlighting the need for government investment in educational infrastructure, qualified teachers, and security. She pointed out that cultural practices, poverty, and inadequate educational facilities contribute to child marriage, citing a Sokoto State community where the nearest secondary school is two hours away on foot.

Baba-Manu stressed that without government support, civil society interventions would yield limited results. Dr. Charles Usie, Country Director of Plan International Nigeria, urged fathers to actively protect girls' rights and ensure their education before marriage.