SUBEB Facilitator identifies Reason for School Dropout Among Girls

A lack of safe and inclusive learning environments has been identified as a factor contributing to school dropout rates among girls.

This was highlighted by a facilitator with the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mrs. Ramatu Umar, during a sensitization meeting held for key stakeholders in the education sector.

During a presentation, Mrs. Umar attributed the challenges faced by girls in accessing education to insecurity in conflict-affected areas, violence, and unsafe routes to school, and called for the implementation of adequate measures to address these critical challenges.

Mrs. Umar also urged participants to celebrate this year’s International Day for the Girl Child in a meaningful way by providing free sanitary pads and gender-segregated toilet facilities. These provisions according to her are essential to ensure that girls continue to attend school, especially during their menstrual cycles.

In an address, the State Coordinator for the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), Hajiya A’ishatu Aliyu Isoga, who was represented by her deputy, Mrs. Juliana Polycarp, reaffirmed that the girls’ scholarship program is a key component designed to support underprivileged girls and those with special needs, equipping them with the necessary skills to reach their full potential.

The project coordinator took the opportunity to commend all partners involved for their commitment to tackling one of the major challenges in the education sector, which is ensuring that every school-age girl in Nasarawa State has access to quality education.

Speaking on the eligibility of the AGILE, Mr. Ubimi Andrew explained the project’s objectives, monitoring processes, and fund disbursement, noting that after piloting in seven local government areas, the project will expand to additional areas over a five-year period.

Participants at the meeting included the CEO of Lafia, Adeyi Ngbede Moses; Zonal ANCOPPS Chairman Adamu Dahiru Owuso; Education Secretary of Lafia Central, Aliyu Usman Suleiman; and representatives from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) who all commended AGILE’s initiative and pledged their support for the growth and development of education in Nasarawa state.